HJAR May/Jun 2023

46 MAY / JUN 2023 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS ADH CORNER COLUMN ADH CORNER DOZENS of people are exposed to rabies every year in Arkansas. They often are con- fused about what action is needed to protect people with animal bites. It is important for healthcare workers to know what steps are needed and what their facilities’ policy is for rabies treatment in order to provide the best information and care for their patients. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) does not treat animal bites or rabies, howeverADH staff are available to consult with healthcare workers 24/7 and help patients navigate the treatment process. Animal bites should be reported to the ADH promptly since there could be a risk that the animal has rabies. To report animal Rabies is a preventable viral disease that affects the nervous system of warm-blooded animals, particularly mammals. It is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. InArkansas, rabies is most frequently found in wild skunks and bats. However, any mammal can become infected with rabies, including domestic pets such as dogs and cats, as well as agricultural animals such as cows and horses. It takes from two weeks to four months for a dog or cat exposed to a rabid animal to develop clinical signs of ra- bies, although this time frame could vary by animal. If an animal is acting strangely, call the animal control officer in your commu- nity for help. Beware of animals that exhibit R AB I ES : Communication is Key bites, call the nearest ADH local health unit between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., call 800-633-1735 if it is after hours, or submit a report at healthy.arkansas.gov. The ADH Public Health Lab will test suspect animals who have died or have been euthanized for rabies, and the state public health veterinar- ian and ADH staff will provide guidance if the animal is not available for testing. While awaiting animal capture and rabies test re- sults, ADH staff will also consult with the provider to manage the case and determine if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. PEP should be given soon after the exposure but before rabies symptoms start. PEP is not effective after the onset of symptoms.