Bats, Not Dogs, Are the Most Common Source of Rabies

Bats are the main cause of human rabies in the United States and have been for several years, responsible for infecting seven of every 10 people who develop the disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in US reported on Wednesday.

Rabies is a virus that infects wildlife, especially bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. It can spread to people and pets when they are bitten or scratched, causing fever, agitation and death. Rabies is 100% preventable with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) that includes rabies vaccine and medications to fight infection, as long as people get PEP before symptoms start. Understanding the risk of rabies and knowing what to do after contact with wildlife can save lives.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in US report, people might worry about rabies in animals that don’t often carry the virus, like opossums or squirrels. But these animals hardly ever have rabies.