Health officials: Delawareans should take rabies prevention seriously after fatality

DELAWARE – Health officials in Delaware are encouraging you to take rabies prevention seriously, after a Kent County woman died.

For the Felton woman, it’s not clear how she came in contact with the disease or the animal carrying it, which makes her case that much difficult to understand.

Regardless, health officials are warning you that you should always stay away from any stray animals.

The infection usually is from a bite or scratch and despite the fact that the last death was in 1941, the mortality rate is 100%.

If you do come into contact with a wild animal, some of the symptoms to look out for are vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or headache.

The Division of Public Health’s Director, Dr. Karyl Rattay says, “The rabies infects the nerve cells and neurons in the body, especially in the brain. As it begins to infect more and more, the brain really stops functioning.”

Despite state law, only 14% of pets are vaccinated. Make sure your cats or dogs get the shot for rabies and be careful if you let them roam around freely outside.