WHAT CAN I DO, IF I HAVE BEEN EXPOSED

• Don’t panic . . . but don’t ignore the bite, either. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and lots of water. Washing thoroughly will greatly lessen the chance of infection. Give first aid as you would for any wound.

• If possible, capture the animal under a large box or can, or at least identify it before it runs away. Don’t try to pick the animal up. Call an animal control or law enforcement officer to come get it.

• If it’s a wild animal that must be killed, don’t damage the head. The brain will be needed to test for rabies. Don’t let anyone destroy wild animals at random just because there may be a rabies outbreak in your area. Only a few wild animals will be carrying rabies.

• Call your doctor immediately. Explain how you got the bite and follow the doctor’s advice.
  
• Report the bite to the local health department.

Virginia Department of Health		Your local Health Department
Central Shenandoah Health District		CSHD Rabies Main Page