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380AEW Article

Feeding, playing with strays could be deadly; officials stress rabies prevention

  • Published
  • By Capt Gina McKeen
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Following the recent death of a Ft. Drum, N.Y., Soldier after he contracted rabies from a feral dog while deployed to the area of responsibility, Department of Defense officials want military members to be aware of the risks of this deadly disease.

All service members, DOD civilians and contractors who have had contact with a stray animal while deployed should be immediately evaluated by medical personnel, DOD officials said.

"Once the onset of clinical symptoms begins, the rabies infection is nearly always fatal," said Capt. Michael Renkas, the public health officer for the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group here. "So, prevention through animal avoidance and treatment after exposure are our best defenses."

The importance of receiving the appropriate medical evaluation following contact with a feral animal cannot be overstated, he added. An infected animal may not show any signs or symptoms until late in the disease, often just days before its death. The animal can still spread the deadly virus while appearing completely normal, however.

Animals transmit the rabies virus to humans when their infected saliva enters the body through a bite wound, mucous membranes or broken skin. Humans can become infected and harbor the virus for weeks to months, and in extremely rare cases, years, before becoming ill. During this incubation period, which averages between one to three months, one can prevent rabies through appropriate treatment. Once symptoms occur, however, death is almost always certain.

While the threat of rabies at the 380th AEW and local area is low, personnel must still be cognizant and take the necessary precautions to avoid exposure, Renkas said.

"Dogs, cats, ferrets, bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes and coyotes are the most likely candidates to carry rabies; though other mammals can be infected with rabies as well," Renkas said. "Report animal intrusions or infestations in your work or living areas to the civil engineer help desk at DSN 434-2539. Never attempt to capture an animal yourself."

In deployed locations, military members must adhere to General Order 1B, which prohibits adopting wild or stray animals as pets or mascots as well as caring for or feeding any type of domestic or wild animal.

While the greatest way to prevent rabies is to avoid contact with animals, if you happen to come in contact with a wild animal, the most effective means to decrease the possibility of infection is to wash any wounds with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention, Renkas said.

Service members who have come in contact with a stray animal should get checked out by medical professionals even if the animal did not appear to show signs of infection, he added.

The treatment, called post exposure prophylaxis, consists of five injections given over 14 days. The chances of recovery are high if a patient receives the PEP as close to the time of exposure as possible, Renkas said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, www.cdc.gov/rabies, rabies in humans is 100 percent preventable through prompt, appropriate medical care. Yet, more than 55,000 people die from rabies each year, a rate of one person every 10 minutes.

"We want to ensure all of our folks remain healthy while deployed. If you believe you have been exposed, get the proper medical evaluation and care," Renkas said.

Renkas is from Buffalo, N.Y. and is stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

For more information on rabies visit the CDC website.

With contributions from Master Sgt. Chance Babin