Case Studies of the Environmental Health Specialist Role in Rabies Investigations within the North Central Health District
Abstract
Keywords: Rabies, Quarantine, Environmental Health Specialist, Health equity
Transmitted in the saliva of infected mammals, rabies is a viral infection that enters the central nervous system of the host and causes encephalomyelitis that is almost always fatal. Though all species of mammals are susceptible to this infection, only a few species are important as reservoirs for the disease in nature, notably coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Additionally, several species of insectivorous bats also serve as reservoirs for the disease. Reducing the risk of rabies in domestic animals and limiting contact with wild animals are key to preventing human rabies cases. Vaccination of all domestic dogs, and cats has been identified as a basic element of a rabies control program. Georgia law (Rabies Control Law-O.C.G.A.-31- 19) requires that all owned dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies. There are several cases of human rabies attributable to bat exposure. Often, the bat bite was presumably not recognized, nor the risk of rabies realized to seek appropriate medical attention. Human rabies is a completely preventable disease if the risk is appreciated, and appropriate rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is obtained. Two case studies on rabies investigations conducted in Macon-Bibb County and Wilkinson County, Georgia, will be reviewed, one involving a human exposure and one involving a pet encounter with a racoon, will be presented to further discuss unique nuances encountered by EHS team members.
Keywords
Rabies, Quarantine, Environmental Health Specialist, Health equity
Case Studies of the Environmental Health Specialist Role in Rabies Investigations within the North Central Health District
Keywords: Rabies, Quarantine, Environmental Health Specialist, Health equity
Transmitted in the saliva of infected mammals, rabies is a viral infection that enters the central nervous system of the host and causes encephalomyelitis that is almost always fatal. Though all species of mammals are susceptible to this infection, only a few species are important as reservoirs for the disease in nature, notably coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Additionally, several species of insectivorous bats also serve as reservoirs for the disease. Reducing the risk of rabies in domestic animals and limiting contact with wild animals are key to preventing human rabies cases. Vaccination of all domestic dogs, and cats has been identified as a basic element of a rabies control program. Georgia law (Rabies Control Law-O.C.G.A.-31- 19) requires that all owned dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies. There are several cases of human rabies attributable to bat exposure. Often, the bat bite was presumably not recognized, nor the risk of rabies realized to seek appropriate medical attention. Human rabies is a completely preventable disease if the risk is appreciated, and appropriate rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is obtained. Two case studies on rabies investigations conducted in Macon-Bibb County and Wilkinson County, Georgia, will be reviewed, one involving a human exposure and one involving a pet encounter with a racoon, will be presented to further discuss unique nuances encountered by EHS team members.
