Protect your family, animals from rabies

It is not uncommon for cases of rabies or rabid animals to be reported at NSB Kings Bay or in Camden County.

Knowing that rabies is present in the area is the first step for awareness. Also, you should know what to do if you, your children or your animals come in contact with an animal that could potentially be infected with rabies.

Rabies comes in several distinct types of virus variants and has been identified in terrestrial mammals, including raccoons, skunks, and foxes - all of which wander about in Camden County and aboard the base. In addition to these animals, there are several species of bats which also carry the rabies virus.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The virus infects the central nervous system, which accounts for why raccoons, and other animals known to carry the disease, act as if they are drunk. There are several different ways in which the disease is transmittable. The most common is being bitten, with the saliva being injected from the host into the receiving animal or human. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control each year occur in wild animals.

The following tips can help you care for your pet or can be used if you come in contact with a rabid animal.