Rabies

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of all mammals that is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. The virus attacks the nervous system and affects the brain and spinal cord. In Maryland, rabies is most frequently found in wildlife, most commonly raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats. Domestic animals, including livestock, are also at risk, and cats are the most frequently identified rabid domestic animal. In 2013, DHMH reported a transplant-associated human rabies case, the first case of human rabies in the state since 1976.​

The Center for Zoonotic and Vectorborne Diseases (CZVBD) is responsible for the Rabies Prevention and Control Program in Maryland, as mandated by law. In partnership with Maryland's 24 local health departments, CZVBD counts cases of rabies in animals; consults with health care providers on the need for treatment to prevent rabies if a person is exposed to a rabid animal; and provides education to the public about this deadly disease.

TO PREVENT RABIES

FOR HEALTHCARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

• Continuing Education: Rabies PEP Basics Module
• Rabies Postexposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Poster
• Vaccine Inform​ation Statement (VIS)
• Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Communicable Diseases--Rabies: 10.06.02
• Human Rabies Prevention -United States, 2008: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
• Use of a Reduced (4-Dose) Vaccine Schedule for Postexposure Prophylaxis to Prevent Human Rabies.
• Maryland Rabies Post-Ex​posure Algorithm
  
• Rabies Laboratory ​Information​
  

Animal Rabies

• Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2016​
• Procedures for Local Health Department-Sponsored Public Animal Antirabies Vaccination Clinics
  
  

Forms

FOR VETERINARIANS

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

• What to expect if you need rabies post-exposure prophylaxis​.
• Rabies Factsheet
• Get Mad About Rabies brochure
• ¡Enójate Con la Rabia! brochure (Spanish)
• Get Mad About Rabies poster
• Bats Can Have Rabies poster
• 'Bats and Schools' educational video (courtesy of Arizona Department of Health Services)
• To order brochures and posters click here
  
   

NEWSLETTERS

• 2002
• 2003
• 2005​
  
  

RELATED LINKS

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Rabies Information Page
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Maryland Veterinary Medical Association