Contributed Article/Courtesy Graham County Health Department
GRAHAM COUNTY – The Graham County Health Department has been investigating an increased number of rabies cases over the last few months. Recent investigations and control measures have been implemented through partnerships with Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and Desert Cross Veterinary Hospital.
Rabies is endemic in Arizona, meaning that it is always present. It is a fatal but preventable viral disease that can be spread to people and pets through the bites and scratches of an infected animal, including bats. Rabies primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start.
The best way you can prevent rabies is:
- Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccines
- Maintain distance from wildlife for both human and animal safety
- Call animal control if you see a domestic animal with odd or aggressive behavior
- Wash bites or scratches immediately with soap and water
- Seek medical care shortly after potential exposures
Graham Residents who have information about human or domestic animal exposure to wildlife recently should call the Graham County Health Department at (928) 428-1962. If residents notice wildlife behaving in a way that is not normal, please call Arizona Game and Fish Dispatch at (623) 236-7201.
We would like to remind residents to make sure their domestic animals are current on rabies vaccinations. The Desert Cross Veterinarian Hospital in Thatcher currently has the vaccine and can be reached at (928) 348-0026 during normal business hours.
If you need more information or have questions, please call the Graham County Health Department at (928) 428-1962.
Recent cases of rabies have also been found in Gila County, with the most recent one involving a fox who tested positive for the disease.
