Blood Pressure Checks & Glucose Checks
CPR & First Aid classes
Public Services
Rabies
Have you seen a raccoon or squirrel lately? Cute, aren't they? They might be cute, but they might also be carrying the Rabies virus. Not many people know the REAL dangers of rabies, it is life threatening! Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. It is passed by being bitten or scratched by an infected animal. However, you can also get the virus by inhalation in caves where bats live, and by eating infected meat. Any animal bite can cause rabies, except mice. RABIED ANIMALS DO NOT ALWAYS APPEAR ILL OR VICIOUS! Be sure that you teach your children to leave wildlife alone! Infected animals usually have bizarre behaviour, agitation, seizures, difficulty in drinking, hydrophobia, intense thirst, and death. The sound and sight of water might startle them as well.
Some symptoms of rabies in people are headache, fever, sore throat, nervousness, confusion, pain, or tingling at the site of the bite, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), aerophobia (fear of fresh air), paralysis, coma, and even death. It is important that you have your pets vaccinated yearly and report if you suspect an animal has rabies.
Here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe and rabies free!
Do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals
Be cautious of stray dogs and cats
Have your pets vaccinated
Feed pets indoors, never leave pet food outside
Tightly close garbage cans
If you do come into conact with an animal you suspect has rabies, seek medical care immediately. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, apply pressure if bite is bleeding, and contact your local health department.