Rabies

Rabies is a disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. It is caused by a virus and is typically spread by an infected animal biting another animal or person. The rabies virus dies quickly when it is exposed to UV light or air so it can’t survive in the environment for long. That means we don’t need to be worried about the environment around a rabid animal being contaminated with rabies.

Rabies is a fatal disease; it cannot be treated once symptoms appear. Luckily, rabies can be effectively prevented by vaccination.

• About Rabies
  Information about signs and symptoms, cause (transmission), about rabid animals, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
  • Minnesota's Rabies Facts 
    Fact sheet with frequently asked questions about rabies.

• Minnesota Rabies Statistics 
  Rabid animals by county, cases of animal rabies, cases of rabies in domestic animals by species and year, cases of rabies in animals by species and year.

For Health Professionals:

• Animal Bites and Rabies Risk
  A rabies guide for health professionals.
  Bites to Humans | Human-Bat Encounters | Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Regimen | Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Regimen | Animals Exposed to a Rabid Animal | Rabies Testing | Specimen Submission Form | Minnesota's Rabies Rules | References | Frequently Asked Questions | Contact Us