Lincoln, NE — The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) are responding to a recent death due to a possible rabies infection. There is no risk to the public at large. DHHS is assisting PPHD in taking preventive steps to contact community members who were in contact with the individual to assess for exposure and offer those deemed at risk post-exposure prophylaxis.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can be spread to people and pets through the bites and scratches of an infected animal. Immediate medical attention following suspected rabies exposure is critical. Medical care following a rabies exposure is called post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP. PEP includes wound care, a dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG), and a series of four or five rabies vaccines, which must be administered as soon as possible after exposure. This care is overwhelmingly effective at preventing the disease from developing.
Prevent rabies by following these steps:
- Be a responsible animal owner. Work with your local veterinarian to keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, ferrets, and other animals you own that can be vaccinated for rabies.
- Seek immediate veterinary assistance for your pet if it is bitten by or exposed to a wild or stray animal.
- Call your local animal control agency about removing stray animals in your neighborhood.
- Do not touch, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
- Never bring wild animals into your home. Do not try to nurse sick, wild animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
- Wash bites or scratches immediately with soap and water and seek medical care shortly after potential exposures.
If you have any additional questions, please call the Panhandle Public Health District at 308-487-3600 or email kengel@pphd.ne.gov.
