NEWS
Six people treated for rabies after exposure to infected dog in Curry County
State Health officials offer advice on what to do if you or your pet are exposed to the disease
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Six people, including one who was bitten, are receiving treatment after being exposed to a dog that tested positive for rabies in Curry County in eastern New Mexico.
The 10-month-old dog, which had not been vaccinated against the disease, is the second pet in New Mexico to test positive for rabies in the past 10 months, according to a Thursday news release from the state Department of Health.
The people are all being treated with a post-exposure vaccine.
"Rabies vaccines are an invisible but strong barrier against this deadly disease," said Dr. Erin Phipps, an NMDOH veterinarian, in a Thursday statement.
Rabies is a neurological infection that can cause typically timid animals to approach humans and behave aggressively. However, not all animals display these symptoms, according to officials at NMDOH. Some infected animals appear lethargic rather than aggressive.
State law requires pets to be vaccinated against rabies. If an unvaccinated pet is exposed to rabies, it must be euthanized or "strictly" isolated and monitored for months to prevent the disease from spreading, Phipps said.
NMDOH recommends people avoid contact with wild animals such as skunks, foxes or bats, even if dead.
If you are bitten by a wild animal, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and go to the doctor as soon as possible, NMDOH officials said. If your pet is bitten or scratched by wildlife, call your veterinarian.
Bats especially are prone to rabies, and anyone with contact or suspected contact should see a doctor immediately, NMDOH advised.
Call the NMDOH鈥檚 helpline at 833-796-8773 if you have questions about rabies. If you see an animal behaving strangely and suspect rabies or another disease, contact your local animal control or call the New Mexico Department of Wildlife at 888-248-6866.
Gillian Barkhurst is the local government reporter for the Journal. She can be reached at gbarkhurst@abqjournal.com.
