Rabies and Bite Reporting
About Rabies
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.
Report a Suspected Rabies Case
To report a suspected rabies case or to receive a rabies assessment call the Maricopa County Department of Public Health at 602-747-7500 (24 hours a day).
Rabies in Humans
Rabies in humans is 100% preventable through prompt and appropriate medical care. Without medical care the rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death.
Symptoms
The early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of many other illnesses, including fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort.
As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include:
- Agitation
- and Hydrophobia (Fear of Water)
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Excitation
- Hallucinations
- Hypersalivation (Increase in Saliva)
- Insomnia
- Slight or Partial Paralysis
Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.
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Office of Epidemiology & Data Services
Physical Address
4041 N Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone 602-506-6767
Rabies Exposure on School Campus
Rabies is a disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. It is almost always fatal if symptoms appear. Rabies can be prevented in persons who have come into contact with the virus through prompt administration of anti-rabies vaccine. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health provides rabies risk assessments and arranges appropriate treatment when treatment is necessary.
Report a Suspected Rabies Case
To report a suspected rabies case or to receive a rabies assessment call the Maricopa County Department of Public Health at 602-747-7500 (24 hours a day).
Rabies Resources
Assist with Rabies Assessments & Treatment
- CDC - Human Rabies Prevention (PDF)
- CDC - Use of a Reduced Vaccine Schedule for PEP to Prevent Human Rabies (PDF)
- Post-Exposure Management for Maricopa County Providers (PDF)
- Reporting Phone Numbers for Providers in Maricopa County (PDF)
Additional Information
For more information about rabies call the Maricopa County Department of Public Health at 602-747-7111 (24 hours a day).
Rabies Around the World
Rabies is found on all continents except Antarctica. In certain areas of the world, including but not limited to parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, rabies in dogs is still a major problem and as a result tens of thousands of people die of the disease each year.
When traveling, it is always prudent to avoid approaching any wild or domestic animals. In addition, in some areas access to post-exposure treatment may be hard to get. Street dogs represent the most frequent risk for bite exposure to travelers, followed by monkeys. Monkey bites should also be assessed for the possibility of herpes B transmission, a virus that is often fatal in humans.
Consult Your Doctor
Before traveling abroad, consult your doctor or a travel clinic about your risk of exposure to rabies and how to handle an exposure should it arise. For travel immunization clinics, please contact your local pharmacy clinic to see if they offer the vaccinations you need.
Rabies Pre-Exposure Vaccination
If traveling to a country where there is a high incidence of rabies, especially in canine populations, rabies pre-exposure vaccination may be recommended. Rabies vaccination should also be considered if you will be spending lots of time outdoors in rural areas or plan to handle animals.
Pre-exposure immunization does not eliminate the need for additional medical attention after a rabies exposure, but it greatly simplifies postexposure prophylaxis and eliminates need for rabies immune globulin, which is unavailable or difficult to obtain in most developing countries. Postexposure prophylaxis, including HRIG, should be initiated after a possible bite exposure even if there has been a considerable delay between the exposure and the traveler presenting for evaluation.
Additional Information
For more specific information about rabies in different geographical areas please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel page.