Rabies/Communicable Disease Control

Environmental Health staff, along with the Medical staff, investigates reported cases of communicable diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Rabies?

  • Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.

2. Where is Rabies found?

  • Rabies is found in the saliva of infected animals.

3. What can happen if I become infected with Rabies?

  • If not treated, Rabies almost always results in fatal encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain and its membranes.

4. How do I protect myself and others from the Rabies Virus?

  • Do not feed wild animals or approach any wild animal or stray pet.

  • Be a responsible pet owner.

  • Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.

  • Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come into contact with wild animals.

  • Do not leave pet food or any food outside that may attract wild animals.

  • Spay or neuter your pets.

  • Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.

5. What should I do if exposed to an animal that might have rabies?

  • Care for the wound.

  • Wash it and apply an antiseptic.

  • If possible to do so without further endangering yourself, confine the animal and call Santa Rosa County Animal Control Services at (850) 983-4680.

  • See your private provider or nearest Emergency Room for further wound care, tetanus immunization as necessary, and/or recommendations concerning post exposure rabies treatment.

  • If treatment is recommended; your local Health Department will work with you and your provider to determine the best plan for completing the Rabies vaccine series.

6. Where can I find additional information on Rabies?

This page was last modified on: 03/25/2013 10:27:28