Rabid animals don't always foam at the mouth — here's what to look out for instead.

Rabies is rare in the United States, but the threat isn't totally gone.

Recently New York City's Department of Health alerted residents of six confirmed cases of rabies in raccoons living in and around Inwood Hill Park in upper Manhattan. According to local news reports, the animals that tested positive for the virus weren't foaming at the mouth, acting aggressive, or otherwise displaying stereotypical rabies symptoms. The raccoons just looked “really sick.”. It's a good reminder that knowing what to look for—and what to do if you see it—is key in protecting yourself and your pets from the rabies virus.

What is rabies?

The rabies virus—rabies lyssavirus—is what’s called a zoonotic disease, which means that it can be transmitted to humans by other animals (and vice versa). Rabies spreads via saliva (and technically, but far more rarely, through cerebrospinal fluid) much like the common cold or flu. Once inside an animal host, the virus travels through nerve cells until it hits the central nervous system and the brain, causing swelling and inflammation (known as encephalitis) which often proves deadly.

What animals usually carry it?

The disease affects animals all over the world. It's been found in every continent except for Antarctica. Some areas, including the United States, certain pockets of animals act as “viral reservoirs,” where the disease is consistently active. In the U.S., those animals include raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. These animals make up the majority of rabies cases in the United States.

What is rabies?

The rabies virus—rabies lyssavirus—is what’s called a zoonotic disease, which means that it can be transmitted to humans by other animals (and vice versa). Rabies spreads via saliva (and technically, but far more rarely, through cerebrospinal fluid) much like the common cold or flu. Once inside an animal host, the virus travels through nerve cells until it hits the central nervous system and the brain, causing swelling and inflammation (known as encephalitis) which often proves deadly.

What animals usually carry it?

The disease affects animals all over the world. It's been found in every continent except for Antarctica. Some areas, including the United States, certain pockets of animals act as “viral reservoirs,” where the disease is consistently active. In the U.S., those animals include raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. These animals make up the majority of rabies cases in the United States.

However, it’s important to repeat that the disease in incredibly rare in humans in the United States. And while it’s hard to prevent the disease from spreading among wild animals, effective vaccines exist that prevent outbreaks in domesticated animals, like dogs and cats. If you have these animals, regular visits to your veterinarian will help ensure that their vaccines for rabies are up-to-date.

What should I do if I’ve been bitten by a dog that might have rabies?

First, wash the area with soap and water. The rabies virus doesn’t stay alive for long after it's outside its host. For example, as soon as saliva dries up, the virus dies with it, and it can be easily killed by soap, a detergent, or bleach.

But if you think there’s a chance you’ve been infected, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. Effective medications exist, called post-exposure prophylaxis, which include a series of vaccines and other medications, but doctors or other medical professionals must administer them immediately after exposure.

What if I think my dog has been bitten by an animal with rabies?

Call your veterinarian.

If the animal that bit your dog has been captured and tested by animal control, those results will help inform your vet's decisions. If the animal tested positive for rabies, and your dog has been vaccinated, your pet will likely get a booster shot and stay under observation or confinement for a period of time.

Your veterinarian or local animal control center will know what to do, but remember: Rabies is nothing to mess around with. If there’s any chance your pet could have been infected it’s important to seek help right away.

Can I get rabies from handling a dog that might have been exposed to rabies?

The rabies virus needs to find its way to an open wound or your mucus membranes in order to infect your body. However, if you think there’s a chance you were infected, contacting your doctor or seeking medical attention is crucial.

Reposted from popsci.com - Written by Claire Maldarelli