Attention Physicians:
REPORT THIS DISEASE TO COBB & DOUGLAS PUBLIC HEALTH
AT: 770-514-2432 or fax completed form to 770-514-2313.

For additional reporting options, please click here.

*You may also report animal bites to the Georgia Poison Control Center at 1-866-PUB-HLTH.

BITTEN/SCRATCHED BY A DOG OR CAT OR OTHER MAMMAL? THINK RABIES!

  1. Please report the bite/scratch to your local Animal Control as soon as possible
  2. If possible, isolate and observe the animal for 10 days after bite/scratch – Do not interact with the animal during this time!
    • If the animal is healthy after 10 days, rabies vaccine is not needed
    • If the animal is NOT healthy after 10 days or dies, call Animal Control immediately for possible rabies testing of animal
  3. Consult your medical provider for assessment and treatment
    • You may need a tetanus (TDAP) booster; consult CDPH Travel Clinic (770-514-2485) if preferred

Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is recommended:
IF the animal tests positive for rabies or cannot be found by 10 days after exposure:
Please visit a hospital emergency department to start PEP vaccine series – it is critical to complete entire series!

PEP VACCINE SERIES
Day 0: (1st day of series): Receive 1 shot of rabies vaccine and Immunoglobulin (IG)
Available only through a hospital ER

Day 3: Receive 1 shot of rabies vaccine
Day 7: Receive 1 shot of rabies vaccine
Day 14: Receive 1 shot of rabies vaccine
Day 28: Receive 1 shot of rabies vaccine (if immunocompromised)