Cochise County warns of rabies as animal bites increase. How to stay safe

Abigail Celaya, Arizona Republic
·4 min read

Cochise County has issued a warning for people to be mindful and watch out for animals that may have rabies.

Earlier in August, Cochise County Health and Social Services shared on its Facebook page that an increased number of animal bites have been reported in the county. They reminded the public that every animal bite should be evaluated by a physician and reported to local law enforcement agencies.

"The County issues guidance about many public health concerns on an informational level and this was just a great opportunity to send a reminder about what to do in case of an animal bite," Jane Montgomery, the public information officer for the Cochise County Board of Supervisors, told The Arizona Republic.

Montgomery said there have been no dramatic uptick in rabies cases or bites, and no reported fatalities.

Here's what you need to know about rabies in order to stay protected and safe against the disease.

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What are the signs of rabies?

Not all animals with rabies look the same and you can't tell if an animal has rabies just by looking at it. Animals need lab testing to confirm they have rabies. The Center for Disease Control listed these symptoms as indications that an animal may have rabies:

  • general sickness

  • problems swallowing

  • excessive drool or saliva

  • an animal that is overly aggressive

  • an animal that bites at imaginary objects (sometimes called “fly biting”)

  • an animal that appears tamer than you would expect

  • an animal that’s having trouble moving or may even be paralyzed

  • a bat that is on the ground

How do I stay safe against rabies?

The CDC gave this advice for staying safe against rabies.

  • Never feed or approach a wild animal

  • Be careful of pets you do not know

  • If you see a stray dog or cat do not pet it

  • If any animal is acting strangely call your local animal control officer for help

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Do all wild animals have rabies?

According to the CDC, any mammal can get rabies, including people, but that doesn't mean all mammals have rabies.

Birds, snakes and fish cannot get rabies or give it to people.

What kinds of animals can have rabies?

According to the CDC, the animals in the United States that are most likely to be infected with rabies are:

  • raccoons

  • skunks

  • bats

  • foxes

The CDC said contact with infected bats is the leading cause of human rabies that leads to death. Seven out of 10 Americans who die from rabies in the United States were infected by bats.

How common is it for humans to get rabies?

It is not common for humans to get rabies. The CDC said only 1 to 3 cases of rabies in humans are reported annually.

But 60,000 Americans get post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) each year to prevent rabies infection after being bitten or scratched by an infected or suspected infected animal.

Can my pet get rabies?

Pets can get rabies, but most pets need to get rabies shots in order to abide by the law in many states. The Arizona rabies vaccination law states dogs and cats must be vaccinated, and they should first be immunized at three months old.

According to the CDC most pets and livestock that get rabies have not received or have up-to-date vaccinations. Most of these pets contract rabies from contact with wild animals.

How common is rabies in Arizona?

In 2022 in Arizona there were 49 confirmed lab cases of rabies according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

What happens if I get rabies?

According to the World Health Organization once clinical symptoms of rabies appear it is almost 100% fatal. Luckily there is a lot we can do to prevent rabies and rabies in humans is rare.

Oral rabies vaccines are held in gloved hands to demonstrate their appearance in a photo from the Department of Health.
Oral rabies vaccines are held in gloved hands to demonstrate their appearance in a photo from the Department of Health.

Can you get vaccinated for rabies?

You can get vaccinated for rabies, but you typically only receive the vaccine after you have had exposure to the disease.

What should I do if I get bitten by an animal?

The CDC said if you were in direct physical contact with any wildlife or unfamiliar animals or if you have been bitten or scratched you should talk with a medical professional immediately to determine your risk for rabies and other illnesses. The doctor will decide if you need the rabies vaccination.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cochise County issues rabies warning amid uptick in animal bites