WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK THAT YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO RABIES?

The most dangerous type of exposure is a bite or scratch from an infected animal that has penetrated the intact skin of a susceptible animal or person.

If you think you have been exposed to a rabid animal, the following steps should be completed:

1. Immediately wash the wound with soap and water, and continue washing for at least 10 minutes.

2. Call your doctor or health care professional as soon as you finish washing. They will help you decide if you need to be treated for rabies. Follow their instructions completely. You can also call Disease Control Emergency 24 hour consultation: 1-800-821-5821

3. Contact your town's Animal Control Officer. State Game Wardens are responsible for getting a suspected animal or dead animal tested. Immediately call them at 1-800-452-4664 (Augusta) 1-800-432-7381 (Bangor).The Game Warden will need your help in locating the animal that has bitten or scratched you or your pet. If the suspected animal is located and captured, it will be quarantined and observed (dog or cat) or it will be euthanized and sent to the State Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory in Augusta.

4. If your pet has been bitten or scratched by an animal that you think might be rabid, follow the same steps and notify your veterinarian.

From Public Health Fact Sheet, Rabies. Department of Human Services, Division of Disease Control, Augusta, Maine.