What to know and what to do when rabies is detected in the Y-K region

Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The rabies virus is always present in western Alaska fox populations. The virus is secreted in the saliva of an infected animal and can be transmitted through a bite or scratch, and though rare, can also be transmitted through exposure of the mucous membranes (eyes, nose and mouth) to the virus-containing saliva. In the Y-K region, red and arctic fox typically transmit the virus to household pets through bites or scratches. These pets, usually dogs, then have the potential to bring the virus into the human population. Since rabies is fatal in humans without treatment and not every dog in the region is vaccinated or has a current vaccination, all exposures must be investigated to rule out the possibility of a rabies transmission.

There are two forms of the rabies disease-furious and paralytic. If you are suspecting a possible rabies exposure, observe your pet for the following symptoms:

Furious:

• Seizures
• Aggression
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Foaming at the mouth

Paralytic:

• Paralysis
• Staggering
• Loss of appetite

Rabies vaccinations are extremely effective at preventing the spread of rabies among animals and from animals to humans. As part of their Rabies Prevention Program, the YKHC Office of Environmental Health & Engineering (OEHE) provides vaccinations to hundreds of dogs and cats in the Y-K region every year, including a free rabies vaccination clinic in Bethel. The rabies vaccine can be given every year to dogs and cats three months old and up. Pregnant animals can also receive the vaccine with no harm to the fetuses. After two consecutive vaccinations, the animal is protected for three years and should receive the vaccine every three years from that point on. Protect your pets, your family, your community, and yourself from the rabies disease by getting your pet vaccinated.

Keep yourself and your pets safe by:

• Making sure that all your dogs and cats are currently vaccinated for rabies
• Keep your pets on a leash when outdoors
• If your dog or cat is acting sick or not behaving normally (drooling, walking funny, acting mean or strange) or if your dog or cat has been exposed to a fox, please contact YKHC OEHE so a plan of action can be determined
• If you see foxes or other wildlife acting sick, contact YKHC OEHE
• If you shoot an animal, DO NOT SHOOT IT IN THE HEAD! Rabies testing is done on the brain

If you are bitten by a dog, cat or other animal, visit your local clinic or the hospital.

Contact Information

YKHC Office of Environmental Health & Engineering: 907-543-6420