Update posted on September 16, 2022

On September 16, 2022, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) was notified that the raccoon identified in connection with the Maddock Bar incident had tested negative for rabies.

HHS issued a statement on the situation on September 13, 2022. At the time, the raccoon’s whereabouts were still under investigation.

“When humans and animals such as raccoons come into contact with each other, there is no choice but to consider possible exposure to rabies. Amanda Bakken said.

“For domestic dogs, cats and ferrets, the duration of viral shedding is well understood to allow for observation periods to rule out exposure to rabies. Unfortunately, in most other mammals, the virus The duration of emissions is not well understood.Reliable observation period.”

For additional information about animal rabies activity in North Dakota, visit ndhealth.gov/disease/rabies.

Originally posted on September 13, 2022

The North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has notified the public of the situation in Maddock, North Dakota, which may have contracted rabies. A captured raccoon was brought into Maddock’s bar on Tuesday, September 6th. Anyone who may have been bitten by a raccoon or come into contact with raccoon saliva should consult a health care provider as soon as possible about the potential danger. Rabies exposure. “Rabies is a very serious disease with a fatality rate of almost 100%, so we are sharing this information with the public as a precautionary measure,” said HHS epidemiologist Amanda Bakken.

Rabies is a viral infection that infects mammals, including humans. In the United States, the virus circulates in wildlife and is most commonly found in bats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes and foxes. Rabies wildlife can transmit rabies to unvaccinated cats, dogs and domestic animals, posing a threat to people.

Viruses are most often transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Rabies can also be transmitted if saliva or nervous system tissue from a rabid animal gets into a cut, wound, eye, nose or mouth. The virus attacks the nervous system and causes swelling in the brain. There is no cure and rabies is almost always fatal.

“If you’ve been bitten by an animal, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible,” Bakken said. “If the animal is a healthy dog, cat or domesticated ferret, it should be confined and observed for 10 days to rule out transmission of the rabies virus. If a wild animal bites you, its Animals should be euthanized and tested for rabies.

HHS recommends the following precautions to reduce the risk of rabies:

• Do not keep wild animals as pets. Keeping raccoons and skunks as pets is illegal in North Dakota.
• Keep feral and wild animals, especially skunks, away from your pets and livestock.
• Keep your dog, cat, ferret and horse rabies vaccinations up to date. Your veterinarian can advise you on the latest vaccination recommendations.
• Don’t leave uncovered trash or pet food outside, as it can attract wild and stray animals to your home and garden.
• Stay away from unfamiliar or wild animals.
• Learn how to avoid animal bites. Be especially careful with children. Teach children not to handle or approach unfamiliar animals without the permission of a parent or guardian and the animal’s owner.
• Report any stray or unusual behavior to your local animal control agency.
• Protect your home from bats to prevent bats from nesting in your home and getting close to people and pets.
• Avoid contact with animals while traveling, especially when traveling internationally.

In 2022, 6 cases of rabies have been reported in North Dakota, including 2 bats, 2 cats, 1 cow and 1 skunk. For additional information about animal rabies activity in North Dakota, visit ndhealth.gov/disease/rabies.