Rabies warning issued for Delaware
By DOVER — The Delaware Division of Public Health recently issued a warning to take precautions to avoid exposure to rabies and to be on the lookout for rabid animals during this active season.
Rabies is endemic in Delaware, meaning it occurs regularly within the state’s wildlife populations. While any warm-blooded mammal is susceptible to rabies, the most common hosts of rabies in Delaware are stray or feral cats, bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Other local cases have also been seen in smaller numbers in cattle, equine, deer, groundhogs, and coyotes.
Rabies is a fatal, yet preventable viral disease, and severe outcomes in humans can be avoided when treatment is administered soon after exposure before the disease develops.
If a wild animal behaving aggressively is encountered, it is recommended that you contact the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. Calls after hours and during weekends can be made to 800-523-3336.
