Answer
Rabies is a potentially fatal virus disease that can spread through bites or scratches from an infected animal. The risk is greater for persons with multiple bites or bites close to the head and neck. Rabies can be prevented by given a series of rabies vaccinations and rabies immune globulin.
In developing countries dog bites cause 90% or more of rabies cases in humans. However in the United States, rabies in dogs has been largely eliminated due to animal vaccinations. Wild animals - bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes -- now pose the greatest risk.
Ask GoodHealth.com is intended for consumer education only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with questions regarding your personal health or medical condition.
