Call 911 if:
- The person is seriously injured in an animal attack.
1. Stop Bleeding
- Apply sustained pressure for several minutes.
2. Clean Wound
- Wash with clean water and gentle soap for 15 minutes.
3. Gather Information About Animal
- Notify the local health department or animal control about the animal's possible whereabouts.
- If the animal is a pet, get owner's contact information.
4. See a Healthcare Provider Immediately
- Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
- If possible, bring information about the animal.
- If the person was in an enclosed area with a bat, see a healthcare provider whether or not there is a bite wound. The person may have been bitten and not know it.
5. Follow Up
- If there is any risk of rabies infection, the healthcare provider will recommend anti-rabies treatment. This may include a series of shots.
- The person may require a tetanus shot, depending on the date of the last shot.