Who to Contact for Rabies Exposure in Massachusetts
If you've been exposed to rabies in Massachusetts, you should immediately report the incident to your local health department. 1 This is the most critical first step in managing potential rabies exposure.
Immediate Actions After Potential Exposure
- Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water immediately - this is perhaps the most effective measure for preventing rabies 2
- Contact your local health department to report the exposure 1
- Seek medical attention from a healthcare provider who can evaluate the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in consultation with public health authorities 1
What Constitutes Rabies Exposure
Understanding what constitutes exposure is important:
- Bite exposure: Any penetration of skin by teeth of a potentially rabid animal 2
- Non-bite exposure: Scratches, abrasions, open wounds or mucous membranes contaminated with saliva or brain tissue from a rabid animal 2
- Bat contact: Any physical contact with bats when bite or mucous membrane contact cannot be excluded 2
High-Risk Animal Exposures
Certain animals pose higher risks:
- Carnivorous wild animals (especially skunks, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats)
- Bats
- Any wild mammal showing unusual behavior
- Unvaccinated domestic animals with suspicious symptoms
Massachusetts-Specific Considerations
Massachusetts has had documented cases of rabies in wildlife, particularly in raccoons. A study conducted in Massachusetts demonstrated successful rabies vaccination programs for wildlife 3, indicating ongoing rabies management efforts in the state.
What Information to Provide When Contacting Authorities
Be prepared to provide:
- Details about the animal (species, behavior, vaccination status if known)
- Nature of the exposure (bite, scratch, contact with saliva)
- Location of the incident
- Whether the animal was captured or is available for testing
Post-Contact Management
The local health department will coordinate:
- Capture and testing of the animal if possible
- Evaluation of the need for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis
- Observation of domestic animals that may have caused the exposure
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Delay in seeking help: Rabies is virtually 100% fatal once symptoms develop; prompt action is essential
- Ignoring non-bite exposures: Even scratches or contact with saliva on broken skin can transmit rabies
- Dismissing bat encounters: Bat bites can be tiny and undetectable, yet still transmit rabies
- Self-assessment of risk: Always let public health officials determine if PEP is needed
Remember that while human-to-human transmission of rabies is extremely rare 4, 5, animal exposures require immediate attention due to the invariably fatal nature of untreated rabies infection.