According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals that most often affects dogs raccoons bats and skunks. Humans can get rabies if they are bitten or scratched by an animal infected with the virus. The good news is that rabies can be prevented in people and animals through vaccination.
There is no evidence that rats carry rabies. In fact there have been no documented cases of rabies in rats in the United States. However it is possible for rats to be infected with other diseases such as hantavirus that can be transmitted to humans. For this reason it is important to take precautions when handling rats such as wearing gloves and washing your hands after contact.
Do rats carry rabies?
No rats do not carry rabies.
How can you tell if a rat has rabies?
You can’t tell if a rat has rabies just by looking at it.
If you think a rat has rabies contact your local health department right away.
What are the symptoms of rabies in rats?
Early symptoms of rabies in rats may include loss of appetite irritability and increased aggressiveness.
As the disease progresses rats may have seizures and become paralyzed.
Can humans get rabies from rats?
No humans cannot get rabies from rats.
Rabies is only transmitted through the bite of an infected animal and rats are not known to carry rabies.
What animals can carry rabies?
Any mammal can carry rabies but the most common carriers in the United States are bats raccoons skunks and foxes.
How does rabies cause paralysis?
Rabies infects the nervous system and causes paralysis by damaging the motor neurons that control muscle movement.
How long does it take for rabies to cause paralysis?
The incubation period for rabies is typically 2-3 weeks but can range from 1-3 months.
Is there a cure for rabies?
There is no cure for rabies once symptoms have started.
The only way to prevent the disease is to vaccinate animals that may come in contact with rabid animals.
How long can a rabies virus survive outside of a host?
The rabies virus can only survive for a few minutes to a few hours outside of a host.
How is rabies transmitted?
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal and is usually spread through a bite.
How can you prevent rabies?
You can prevent rabies by vaccinating your pets and avoiding contact with wild animals.
What are the symptoms of rabies in humans?
Early symptoms of rabies in humans may include fever headache and weakness.
As the disease progresses symptoms may include hallucinations paralysis and death.
How long does it take for rabies to kill a human?
The incubation period for rabies is typically 2-3 weeks but can range from 1-3 months.
Once symptoms start rabies is almost always fatal.
Is there a human rabies vaccine?
Yes there is a human rabies vaccine.
The vaccine is given in a series of shots and it is recommended for people who are at high risk of exposure to rabies such as veterinarians and animal handlers.
What should you do if you think you have been exposed to rabies?
If you think you have been exposed to rabies you should wash the wound with soap and water and see a doctor immediately.
You may also need to receive a series of shots to prevent the disease.
