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There is no cure for rabies, but treatment through vaccines can stop the virus from infecting the body as long as it is administered soon after a rabid animal has bitten a person. The rabies virus is spread through an animal's saliva. Animals in the wild can transmit rabies. Domestic animals also can spread the virus, but many pets have been protected though rabies shots. People who have been bitten by a wild or domestic animal might be treated as a precautionary measure if they may be at risk of contracting rabies. When a person starts showing symptoms of rabies, the disease is almost always fatal, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sometimes it is known the animal is rabid, and a series of shots will be necessary to prevent the virus from infecting the bitten person. In cases when the animal cannot be found, the person would have to undergo the series of shots to be safe.
Injections
Rabies shots include a fast-acting initial injection given as soon as possible after the bite occurs in the area of the bite. Then a series of shots will be necessary if the animal had or is suspected of having rabies. Six injections are given in an arm over a 28-day period. Each injection includes a dose of immune globulin and five doses of rabies vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unlike injections of the past, current vaccines are relatively painless. People bitten by an animal suspected to have rabies are advised to wash the wound with soap and water immediately to get a head start on fighting infection.
Animal Watch
If the bite came from a domestic pet or farm animal, the animal is usually quarantined and watched for 10 days to see if it shows signs of rabies. If the animal appears healthy, rabies shots are not necessary for the bitten person. When a wild animal, such as a bat, raccoon, skunk, coyote or fox, bites and can be caught, it can be killed and tested for rabies. When the animal can't be found, shots are necessary as a precaution. Pets can also be bitten and infected by wild animals, and this becomes a risk to humans. It is critical for pet owners to have their dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated by a veterinarian to prevent them from acquiring the virus and passing it on. Wild animals have more cases of rabies, but most precautionary shots are given to people because of bites from domestic animals, the CDC explains. That's because people have more contact with domestic animals and are less likely to come into contact with wildlife.
