Animal Removal Reduces Risk of Rabies
Rabies can be deadly, and we all want to make sure our families and pets are kept safe from this common virus. Animal removal companies work around the clock to keep rabies vectors — animals that carry the virus such as dogs, squirrels, raccoons, possums, etc. — out of human living spaces right here in Savannah. There are also several other things you can do to keep yourself safe from rabies.
But first, you should first know a little more about the virus itself.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system, ultimately causing brain damage and death in its host. Symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, weakness, confusion, increase in saliva, and fear of water (hydrophobia). Early signs of the virus are similar to those of the flu. Rabies infection, if caught early enough, can be treated. Otherwise, the disease is fatal.
** Once symptoms of rabies infection appear, the disease is almost always fatal. If you think you may have been exposed to the rabies virus, seek medical attention RIGHT AWAY! **
How is rabies transmitted?
Humans contract rabies by coming into contact with rabies vectors. You don’t have to be bitten to contract rabies. Rabies is carried in the saliva and nervous system tissue of infected animals, so if you get either of these fluids into your mouth, eyes, an open wound or even a scratch, you could be infected.
Other than animal removal, how can I keep myself and my family safe from rabies?
- Stay away from wildlife! If you happen to have an uninvited visitor such as a raccoon in your garage or squirrels in your attic, leave the animal removal to professional pest control companies. Preferred Pest Control in Savannah, Ga., removes wildlife using humane methods set forth by the U.S. Department of Natural Resources.
- Keep your pets vaccinated. An unvaccinated pet can contract rabies from a wild animal without your knowledge, bringing the deadly virus into your home.
- Tell your children not to touch animals they don’t know. Explain proper animal behavior, and instruct them to tell an adult immediately if they see an animal acting strangely.
- Report stray dogs and cats to your local animal control.
- When camping, always sleep in a tent or protected area.
- If you or a member of your family has been exposed to the risk of rabies, this is no time for guessing. Have the animal tested if possible. Contact the health department and seek guidance from a qualified medical professional.
There are steps you can take to make sure your property is less attractive to rabies vectors. Preferred Pest Control technicians would be glad to visit your home and assess it for possible threats. If you need animal removal services, call us right away at 912-236-5135. For more information, or click here.