8 "T" Alert

[Steve D]

Steuben County sounds the alarm over increase in rabies cases

Steuben County health officials are concerned about a huge increase in the number of confirmed cases of rabies this year.

Officials are warning the public to avoiding contact with animals after the number of people who needed to start rabies treatment more than doubled compared to the first half of 2017.

Rabies investigations in Steuben County between January and July 15 have led to 50 cases of people needing the life-saving treatment PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).

During the same period last year, there were 20 cases reported.

“Most of our reports are about undomesticated animals, like bats, raccoons and stray cats,” said county Public Health Director Darlene Smith. “We don’t want to alarm anyone, but we are trying to educate people on the need to not handle wild animals.”

https://www.stargazette.com/story/news/local/2018/07/27/steuben-county-sees-sharp-increase-reported-rabies-cases/849107002/

[turkeyfeathers]

interesting fact :

http://www.wildlife-removal.com/possumrabies.html