Health Deparment Warns About Rabies

The Fond du Lac County Health Department is urging residents to avoid bats and other wild animals to reduce the possible exposure to rabies. The virus affects mammals, including bats and skunks – or unvaccinated pets like dogs. It can be spread through infected saliva, which can be picked up through bites or even a small scratch. 

Vaccinated pets that may have been exposed are required to be held for a 60-day quarantine, while unvaccinated pets will be held for 180-days. Symptoms can vary in humans, but usually appear between a month and three months later – and it is nearly always fatal if left untreated until symptoms appear.