The CDC Reports that about 5,000 animal rabies cases are reported each year, with more than 90% of those cases OCCURRING in wildlife.
Health care providers must report all animal bites to the Macon County Health Department at 660-395-4711. For basic information on what to do in the case of an animal bite and for more information about rabies, please visit the website for the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Missouri State Law requires the Macon County Health Department to follow-up on all animal bites or injuries to humans. If you have received an animal bite/injury you may self-report to our office by walking in to 503 N. Missouri St., Macon, MO 63552 or calling to report the incident to 660-395-4711. If you receive care from a local medical provider they must report the injury by law. One of our staff members will contact you with information and recommendations should your animal need to be quarantined.
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If you are bitten:
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Don’t panic.
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Wash the wound thoroughly and vigorously with soap & water.
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Call your doctor right away.
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If possible and can be done safely, confine or capture the animal under a large box or other container.
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If the animal cannot be contained and must be killed to prevent escape, try to do so without damaging the head so rabies testing can be done, if needed.
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Report the bite to the Health Department at 660-395-4711. Dog bites should also be reported to the Macon County Sheriff’s Department.
Have you been exposed to rabies?
If you’ve been in contact with any wildlife or unfamiliar animals, you should talk with your healthcare provider or a public health professional to determine your risk for rabies or other illnesses. Wash any wounds immediately with soap and water and then plan to seek help from your healthcare provider for medical treatment.
Key points
- Each year, 1.4 million Americans receive healthcare for a possible rabies exposure, 100,000 receive post-exposure prophylaxis, and fewer than 10 die from rabies due to robust prevention efforts.
- CDC houses the only U.S. reference laboratory for diagnosing rabies and provides support to U.S. laboratories, health departments, and hospitals.
- CDC’s National Rabies Surveillance System tracks cases to monitor changes in the spread of rabies.
- Raccoons, skunks, and foxes continue to pose significant rabies threats to 75% of Americans.
