Last week, Greene County saw its 4th case of rabies this year. Here's what to know

Susan Szuch, Springfield News-Leader
·3 min read

An animal tested positive for rabies last week, marking the fourth instance of the viral disease in the Springfield area this year.

According to Springfield-Greene County Health Department spokesperson Whitney Mann, this most recent case of rabies was in a bat. Of the previous cases, one was in a kitten and the others were also in bats.

"Rabies was discovered during standard testing protocols following exposures in residence settings and after an animal displayed symptoms," Mann said.

There have been 24 laboratory-confirmed cases of rabies in Missouri as of Sept. 2, according to Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. At the same time last year, the state had seen 18 cases. Bats and skunks are the most common carriers of rabies.

More: MU study says rural health care is changing. Those in the Ozarks know first-hand

How is rabies spread?

Rabies is a viral disease that is most often spread through the bite of an infected animal. The virus is carried in saliva and brain/nervous system tissue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Someone can also contract the virus if infectious material comes into contact with an open wound or scratch. Petting an animal with rabies or coming into contact with its blood, urine or feces are not "associated with risk of infection."

Humans infected with rabies could theoretically pass the virus onto other humans through bites, however the CDC reports no such cases have been documented.

How can I prevent a rabies infection?

The best way to prevent rabies is to avoid contact with wild animals, according to the SGCHD's most recent "Healthy Ozarks" post. While wild animals most often carry the virus, domesticated animals like cats or dogs can also contract it if they come into contact with an infected animal.

Vaccination can help keep pets safe from contracting rabies if they are exposed; in fact, Springfield's city code requires cats, dogs and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies.

More: More than half of dog owners are suspicious of rabies and other vaccines, new study finds

What are indicators that an animal may have rabies?

You can't tell if an animal has rabies just by looking at it; a laboratory test is the only way to confirm a rabies infection. However, some animals may act strangely: A normally nocturnal animal may be out during the day or a generally friendly dog may become reclusive and aggressive, SGCHD said in the Healthy Ozarks post.

During the incubation period, or when the virus is spreading from the site of the bite or scratch through the nerves and into the spinal cord toward the brain, an animal will not show any symptoms, according to the CDC. This phase, called the incubation period, can last for 3 to 12 weeks.

Once the virus enters the brain, it causes inflammation, and then moves onto the salivary glands. This is the point where most animals begin to show symptoms of rabies infection, including:

  • Problems swallowing;

  • Excessive drool or saliva;

  • Excessive aggression;

  • Biting at imaginary objects (sometimes called “fly biting”);

  • Unexpected tameness;

  • Trouble moving or paralysis.

In humans and animals, once symptoms of rabies infection manifest, the disease is almost always fatal.

More: 'Prevention is always better than treatment': Ozarks health experts on seasonal shots

What should I do if I think I've been exposed to an animal that has rabies?

If you are bitten, scratched or exposed to the saliva of any animal — including animals in your house who aren't up-to-date on rabies vaccines — you should clean the affected area with soap and warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, according to SGCHD. After cleaning the area, seek medical attention to determine what treatment may be needed.

After seeking medical attention, people should inform animal control about the bite, who will assist them in the steps that need to be taken with the animal.

If you have been exposed to rabies, a series of post-exposure prophylaxis shots will help you prevent from developing rabies.

According to the health department, "no Greene County residents have died of rabies in several years."

Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Greene County sees 4th case of rabies in 2023. Here's what to know