Rabies is always serious and is life-threatening.
If you think you have been exposed to rabies,
- Wash the wound right away with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
- Call Animal Services so they can find and test the animal.
- Call your healthcare provider or the Health Department at (919) 245-2400.
If you know you have been exposed to rabies,
Go to the Emergency Room right away.
What the hospital will do.
They will give you four vaccines spread out over two (2) weeks.
- On day 1:
- They will clean and treat your wounds.
- They may give you a tetanus shot.
- They will give you the first (1st) rabies vaccine. The first vaccine contains an antibody to help your body fight the rabies virus.
- On day 3: You will get the second (2nd) rabies vaccine
- On day 7: You will get the third (3rd) rabies vaccine
- On day 14: You will get the fourth (4th) rabies vaccine
- Some people with certain medical conditions may need a fifth (5th) vaccine on day 28.
Rabies vaccines for high-risk workers
The Health Department provides preventive rabies vaccines to people at higher risk of exposure, including Animal Services staff, veterinarians, and other local professionals who work with animals.
Learn more about rabies
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Rabies page
Contact
Phone: (919) 245-2400