Contributed article
SAFFORD — The Graham County Health Department has been investigating an increased number of rabies cases over the last few months.
Recent investigations and control measures have been implemented through partnerships with Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and Desert Cross Veterinary Hospital.
Rabies is endemic in Arizona, meaning that it is always here in the background. Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can be spread to people and pets through the bites and scratches of an infected animal, including bats. Rabies primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start.
The best way to prevent rabies is:
- Make sure pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccines
- Maintain distance from wildlife for both human and animal safety
- Call animal control when a domestic animal exhibits odd or aggressive behavior
- Wash bites or scratches immediately with soap and water
- Seek medical care shortly after potential exposures
Graham Residents who have information about human or domestic animal exposure to wildlife recently should call the Graham County Health Department at 928-428-1962.
Residents who notice wildlife behaving in a way that is not normal should call Arizona Game and Fish Dispatch at 623-236-7201.
The Desert Cross Veterinarian Hospital in Thatcher currently has rabies vaccine for domestic animals and can be reached at 928-348-0026 during normal business hours.
For additional information or questions, call the Graham County Health Department at 928-428-1962.
