Douglas County

Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by a virus that affects the nervous system of mammals. The virus is typically present in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted through a bite. The virus can incubate for several weeks to months but ranges from days to years. Unfortunately, once a person begins to show signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is nearly always fatal. However, rabies is 100 percent preventable through appropriate medical treatment.

The Douglas County Health Department provides consultation to help healthcare providers, veterinarians, and the general public to determine whether a potential exposure occurred. Rabies exposure consultation can be obtained from the office of Epidemiology:

• During business hours call: 402-444-7214
• After hours call: 402-444-7000

Assistance with "Bat Proofing" your home or property can be obtained by the office of Environmental Health:

• During business hours call: 402-444-7489

Assistance with capture and removal of wild animals can be obtained through the Nebraska Humane Society:

• Call: 402-444-7800, ext. 1

Links to additional information can be found below.

General Information

• Rabies Exposure Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• What to Do if You Have a Potential Exposure
• Rabies Website Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
• General Information for Rabies from the CDC

For Health Care Providers

• Nebraska Rabies Investigation Guidelines (Including Management of Potential Rabies Exposures)
• Health Alert - Guidance On Managing Possible Exposures to Rabies, August 2011
• Rabies Exposure Management for Bat-Related Incidents - Algorithm
• Human Rabies Prevention - United States, 2008 (ACIP)
• Reduced (4-Dose) Vaccine Schedule for Postexposure Prophylaxis to Human Rabies, 2010 (ACIP)

September 26 Communication regarding rabid bat at Morton Middle School