Rabies
Rabies is caused by a rhabdovirus of the genus Lyssavirus. Rabies virus infection leads to an almost invariably fatal acute viral encephalomyelitis. Disease onset is characterized by a sense of apprehension, headache, fever, malaise, and indefinite sensory changes. Rabies is worldwide in distribution with tens of thousands of deaths reported yearly, almost all occurring in developing countries. Transmission is most often by virus-laden saliva of a rabid animal being introduced by a bite or scratch. The zoonotic reservoirs of the disease are primarily dogs, foxes, coyotes, wolves, jackals, skunks, raccoons and other biting mammals. The incubation period in humans is usually several weeks to months, but ranges from days to years.
Rabies Outreach Program: Health Care Provider Toolkit
- Rabies Outreach Program: Rabies Exposure Risk Assessment/Evaluation/Treatment of Deployment-Related Potential Rabies Exposures (NOV 2011)
- Rabies Outreach Program: Animal Exposure Questionnaire
- Rabies Outreach Program: Rabies Information for Health Care Providers
- Provider Training on Evaluating Rabies Risk Exposures
- Rabies AHLTA Template/AIM Form
- Contact NMCPHC Rabies Response Team at NMCPHCPTS-RabiesResponse@med.navy.mil or (757) 953-0700
Policy & Guidance
- BUMED 6220.13 - Rabies Prevention & Control May04
- SECNAVINST 6401.1B - Veterinary Health Services
- BUMED Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Policy Sep 2011
- ASD(HA) MEMO NOV 14 2011: DoD Post-Deployment Rabies Risk Evaluation
- ASD(HA) MEMO Nov 14 2011: DoD Human Rabies Prevention During and After Deployments
Specific Resources
- Human Rabies Prevention Measures During and After Deployments
- Frequently Asked Questions About Rabies
- World Health Organization Rabies Fact Sheet
- USAPHC Rabies Fact Sheet
- Rabies Vaccine Information Statement
- Report of Animal Bite - Potential Rabies Exposure DD Form 2341
Additional Information
- Rabies Prevention - United States, 2008, Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Rabies Webpage
- MILVAX Rabies Webpage
- World Health Organization Rabies Webpage
This page last updated on November 18, 2011.
Content last reviewed on November 18, 2011.
Content last reviewed on November 18, 2011.