Carson City health department rabies exposure investigation, testing continues
Carson City Health and Human Services continues to partner with the following agencies on the rabies investigation: Nevada Department of Agriculture, Douglas County Animal Services, Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health Office of Epidemiology, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The dog that tested positive for the disease is described as a boxer/mix, born November 2013. It was one of a litter of 10 puppies that were all given away or sold from a private party in the Minden/Gardnerville area, according to a news release from Carson City Health and Human Services.
Due to the lack of verified information as to where the origin of the rabies exposure occurred, CCHHS took precautionary measures by alerting the families that owned the littermates of their risk of rabies exposure. Carson City Health & Human Services is still attempting to locate and contact the owner of one of those puppies.
CCHHS is currently awaiting results from the CDC on several of the samples sent for testing. Those results will be released to the affected families and the public as soon as they are available. In addition, the CDC has confirmed negative test results for one of the littermates and an unvaccinated cat that was in contact with the litter.
Rabies is a serious disease caused by a virus that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is almost always fatal. Rabies is spread when infected animals bite or scratch another animal or person, or when the saliva or tissue from the brain or spinal cord gets into unbroken skin or the mouth, nose or eyes.
More information can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/rabies. Carson City Health & Human Services recommends that all individuals potentially exposed to an animal with the disease seek post-exposure treatment right away. If you believe you have been in contact with these dogs, contact Carson City Health and Human Services immediately, as well as your primary care provider.
A person who is exposed and has never been vaccinated against rabies should get 4 doses of rabies vaccine: one dose right away and additional doses on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days. They should also get another shot called Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) at the same time as the first dose.
Nine of the original 10 littermates have been identified. If you have more information regarding the remaining one unidentified puppy or have come in contact with one of these dogs, contact Carson City Health & Human Services immediately at (775) 887-2190.
Be advised that Carson City Health & Human Services is the official source of information on this case and will not comment on rumors posted online by unofficial sources.
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