First Aid & Emergencies

Rabies Treatment

1. Stop Bleeding

• Apply sustained pressure for several minutes.

2. Clean Wound

• Wash with clean water and gentle soap for 15 minutes.

3. Gather Information About Animal

• Notify the local health department or animal control about animal's possible whereabouts.

• If the animal is a pet, get owner's contact information.

4. See a Health Care Provider Immediately

• Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

• If possible, bring information about the animal.

• If the person was in an enclosed area with a bat, see a health care provider whether or not there is a bite wound. The person may have been bitten and not know it.

5. Follow Up

• If there is any risk of rabies infection, the health care provider will recommend anti-rabies treatment. This may include a series of shots.

• The person may require a tetanus shot, depending on the date of the last shot.