Rabies
Rabies
Rabies is a disease of the nervous system caused by a virus and can occur in humans and animals. The virus is spread to people from the saliva of infected animals; usually through a bite. Rabies in humans is fatal almost 100% of the time. Anyone who has contact with a rabid animal should contact their doctor or public health immediately. Cats and dogs can spread rabies up to 10 days before they become ill, as well as during illness.
Rabies exposure assessment tool
If you or your pet may have been exposed to rabies, click the button below to use the Utah Department of Health and Human Services rabies exposure assessment tool. This survey tool will ask you some questions to figure out your risk of exposure to rabies. Based on your responses and the determined level of risk, rabies control measures might be necessary. You will be given detailed next steps about who to call for help.
Rabies exposure assessment tool
Information for the general public
- Fact sheet
- Frequently asked questions about rabies
- Rabies vaccination
- Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)—What you need to know (English) (Spanish)
- List of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) providers in Utah
- Rabies vaccination information statement (English)(Spanish)
- Low-cost rabies pet vaccination resources
- Rabies vaccination cost assistance for the uninsured or underinsured (updated resource coming soon)
- Find your local health department
- Utah animal control agencies
- Rabies pre-exposure vaccination
- Bats in camp facilities information sheet
- Poster for campers: Prevent exposure to bats at camp
- Bats in schools: Information sheet for school staff
- Poster for students: Prevent exposure to bats at school
- Find your division of wildlife resources regional office
- 2020 Utah One Health Symposium presentation
Testing information
- Rabies testing request form
- Rabies testing and fees guide
- Rabies specimen preparation and transport guidance
Rabies decision trees
- General guidance for all common exposure scenarios
- General guidance for human exposures and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) decision-making
- General guidance for dog, cat, and ferret quarantine requirements based on exposure
Information for public health departments
- Rabies disease plan
- Rabies EpiTrax SOP
- 2016 Rabies Compendium
- Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) guidelines—CDC
- Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) providers in Utah
- Case report form—Human
- Case report form—Animal
- Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)—What you need to know (English) (Spanish)
- Utah's rabies control rule (R386-702-12)
Information for animal control
- Official letter to animal control officers
- Rabies quick guide: The critical role of animal control
- Guidance for dog, cat, and ferret quarantine requirements based on exposure
- Rabies animal quarantine and isolation guidelines
- Utah's rabies control rule (R386-702-12)