07/23/2026
Summer means more time outdoors and more chances to encounter wildlife. While rabies is rare, knowing what to do after an animal bite or other possible exposure and how to prevent exposure completely can protect your health.
Here are some things to know about rabies from our Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Lucio Minces:
๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐๐?
Rabies spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, usually from a bite or scratch. It can also spread if saliva gets into your eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound.
๐๐ก๐ข๐๐ก ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐๐ฌ?
Not every animal bite is a rabies exposure, but every bite should be taken seriously. In Minnesota, bats and skunks are the primary wild animals that carry rabies, but many other wild animals can carry the disease, like racoons. Humans can also be exposed through pets who have contracted the disease.
๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ค ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ'๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐๐ง ๐๐ฑ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐๐?
Wash the area with soap and water right away and seek medical care as soon as possible. If it can be done safely, identify or contain the animal for testing, but never put yourself at risk.
๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐๐ง ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐๐ฌ?
โข Vaccinate your pets.
โข Don't touch or feed wild animals.
โข Teach children to avoid unfamiliar animals.
โข Be especially cautious around bats, even if you're unsure whether contact occurred (this includes finding a bat in the house after you were sleeping).
The best protection against rabies is preventing exposure in the first place. If you think you've been exposed, don't wait to seek medical advice. Contact the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414 for advice or contact your medical provider.
