What we all need to know about rabies now that two cases have been confirmed in Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee(WDEF) – Now that the Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed two cases of rabies in middle Tennessee, there is more attention focused on making sure pet owners vaccinate their pets.

Rabies is a deadly virus transmitted by animals that can also kill humans.

Dr. Randy Hammon of Northgate Animal Hospital in Hixson is one of the area’s leading experts on rabies infections. He said the deadly virus is transmitted through animal bites and saliva of animals that have not been vaccinated.

“That virus actually finds its way to one of your nerve roots and then makes its way to the brain,” Hammon said.

By state law, all pets are required to have rabies vaccinations, especially this time of year when temperatures are warmer and more wildlife begins to come out into the open in places like walking trails and even dog parks.

“They can come in contact with a raccoon, fox or a skunk or a bat. We might not even know that so that’s why it’s imperative that the pets be vaccinated for rabies for exactly that reason,” Hammon said.

Once an animal becomes infected, it can show symptoms of paralysis before it eventually dies. Animals can also show signs of aggression toward other animals and even humans before it dies in a violent seizure.

Rabies symptoms in humans are similar to what is seen in animals, especially in advanced stages. And like animals, infected humans can also transmit the virus to other humans.

“If it was a situation where the disease went full blown through that person’s saliva; if they just attack someone and bit them, then they could transmit the virus. Usually by that point, they would need to be in containment,” Hammon said.

For more information from the Tennessee Department of Health, click here.