Food and Living Environment Section > Environmental Disease Education and Surveillance Program
Rabies
Wild animals, especially bats, raccoons, and skunks have the potential to become rabid. The problem occurs when humans are exposed to
these animals in either the wild or when they come into our homes uninvited. There is also the potential for a wild animal to infect a
domesticated animal. Rabies is caused by a virus in the Rhabdoviridae family and is fatal if immunoprophylaxis is not used. The virus
is found in saliva, brain and other tissues, thus when bitten by a rabid animal may transmit the virus through its saliva. If you believe
you have been bitten (or exposed), to a rabid animal (wild or domestic) please contact the Communicable Disease Department at
(425) 339-5278 or at cdquestions@shd.snohomish.wa.gov or
visit http://www.snohd.org/snoComDisease/rabies.htm.
For further rabies information, please visit the link below.
