Rabies is a severe virus that attacks the central nervous system. In the United States, rabies is chiefly a disease of wild mammals, but it can occasionally affect humans. It is spread through contact with the saliva of an infected animal through a bite, scratch or contamination of an open cut.

If a person is exposed, the rabies vaccine is administered and is highly effective in preventing the progression of the disease. If no treatment is sought, once the infected person develops symptoms of rabies, there is no effective treatment and the person will die within a few days. 

If you believe you may have come in contact with a rabid animal, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Disinfect the are with iodine if available and you are not allergic.  Seek medical attention immediately. The rabies virus incubation period ranges from days to years.

If not treated, rabies is almost always fatal!

You can protect yourself against rabies

• Avoid approaching strange animals
• Do not handle bats
• Report any bite or scratch by a wild animal to the local police department, Sheriff's office, local Public Health department or Animal Control. For children, report to a parent or teacher. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Teach children how to behave correctly around an animals to avoid being bitten
• Do not handle dead or sick animals
• Protect your pets by keeping their rabies vaccinations up-to-date. All dogs in California are required to be vaccinated against rabies
• Do not feed wildlife - keep garbage cans covered and pet food secured

 HEALTH OFFICIALS:

To report a suspected case of rabies, complete the California Department of Public Health:

ANIMAL RABIES CASE REPORT 

You can find more information about rabies in California at the California Department of Public Health rabies website.

Public Health Contact Information:

1120 South Dora Street, 

Ukiah, California 95482

 Phone: (707) 472-2600

Ukiah Shelter:

298 Plant Road

Ukiah, CA 95482

Phone: 707-463-4427

Hours:

Sunday & Monday - Closed

Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.