The Rabies Prevention and Surveillance Investigation program helps stop the spread of rabies in the community by investigating animal bites to humans. It is also possible, but quite rare, that people may get rabies if infectious material from a rabid animal, such as saliva, gets directly into their eyes, nose, mouth or a wound.
Any mammal can get rabies. The most common wild reservoirs of rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes and coyotes. Domestic mammals can also get rabies. Cats, cattle and dogs are the most frequently reported rabid domestic animals in the United States.
The Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County (DOH-St. Johns) works in cooperation with St. Johns County Animal Control to evaluate cases of animal bites for the purpose of ruling out rabies concern to the individual and community.
Report a Possible Rabies Exposure
Call the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County at 904-506-6081 to make a report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rabies?
Rabies is a disease that is caused by a virus and is found primarily in warm blooded mammals, especially carnivores. Unlike many other diseases, rabies does not travel in the bloodstream of an animal. The rabies virus is termed neurotropic (nerve-loving) since it travels along the pathways of the nervous system. The virus initially grows (replicates) in muscle, connective tissue, or nerves at the site of the bite, with subsequent entry into nerve endings and then on to the spinal cord and brain. The virus then spreads from the brain to the salivary glands and other organs. Infection of the salivary glands produces large volumes of virus in the saliva that, in turn, promotes opportunities for continued virus transmission. Technically, rabies is classified in the genus Lyssavirus in the family Rhabdoviridae that occurs throughout the world. The virus is sensitive to ether, sunlight, heat, strong acids/bases and formalin and does not last long in the environment.
How do you get rabies?
Rabies is a disease found only in terrestrial (land) mammals and can only be transmitted in the saliva or nervous tissue of an infected animal. The virus enters the body of a victim, primarily as a result of being bitten or if an open wound or mucous membrane is exposed to the infectious saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal. In Florida, raccoons are the most frequently reported carrier of rabies, followed by bats and foxes. Rabid cats are now reported more frequently than rabid dogs. Bobcats, skunks, otters, horses, cattle and ferrets have also been reported.
What should I do if I am bitten by an animal?
Immediately scrub the wound with lots of soap and water and then put a povidine-iodine solution (iodine antiseptic) on the wound if available. You should seek immediate medical treatment at your primary care physician, walk in clinic or the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.
Try and get an accurate description of the animal and where it might be located. Then report the bite to DOH-St. Johns at 904-506-6081. If you kill the animal, be careful not to damage the head, and avoid any contact with it.
How is rabies treated?
Rabies is a deadly disease which can be prevented but not cured. If you have been exposed to an animal which is potentially rabid, a procedure called Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) may be recommended. PEP consists of a series of vaccinations, designed to immediately combat the virus particles and stimulate your body to produce antibodies against the virus.