From STAFF REPORTS

COLUMBUS — The local health department urges community members to practice prevention efforts related to the deadly virus, rabies. The virus attacks the nervous system causing convulsions, paralysis and death.

Health department officials warn that rabies is active in the West Central Health District, which includes Crisp and Dooly County. Numerous animals have been tested in the 16-county area due to human or pet exposures. Dr. Zsolt Koppanyi, commissioner of health for the West Central Health District, warns that “rabies is a deadly, yet preventable disease.”

People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal. It also is possible, but quite rare, that people get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth or a wound.

Rabies can be spread through wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, coyotes, bats and domestic animals such as dogs and cats, and livestock such as cattle, horses, mules, donkeys, goats and sheep. Animals infected with rabies generally show a change in “normal” behavior.

There are two common forms of rabies: dumb and furious rabies. Dumb rabies is characterized by aimless wandering, shyness, lack of coordination, weakness in the hind limbs and confusion.

Furious rabies is noted for unusual aggression and attacks, as well as self mutilation. An infected animal may suddenly attack when approached. Other symptoms of rabies in animals may include staggering, avoiding food or water, drooling, convulsions, coma and death.

Please note that pet vaccination protects pets from exposure to wild animals infected with rabies and is a simple way for citizens to avoid costly post exposure treatment if exposed.

Many counties within the West Central Health District host rabies clinics where citizens can bring their pets by to get low-cost vaccinations and/or permits.

Koppanyi recommends the following steps to prevent rabies:

• Keep pets and livestock up to date with their rabies vaccinations.

• Do not handle wild or stray animals, especially bats.

• Report strays to Animal Control or the local health department.

• Feed pets indoors or remove uneaten food promptly.