May 10, 2006

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

 

WHAT:           Human case of rabies

 

WHEN:           May 10, 2006 @ 1:00 p.m. 

                        

WHERE:        2223 West Loop South

                        5^th Floor Conference Room – Room 532

                       

WHY:              Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services reports the first human

case of rabies in the Harris County area since 1997.   Rabies is a deadly viral disease.  In Texas, the five high risk wild animals for rabies are bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes and coyotes.

 

HCPHES is working with the appropriate partners to identify individuals who may have potentially been exposed.

                       

Residents are strongly encouraged to:

·          Avoid direct contact with wild animals (bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes, etc.)

·          Teach children that they should NEVER handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic.

·          Wash any wound from an animal thoroughly with soap and water for at least five minutes and seek medical attention immediately.

·          Be a responsible pet owner by vaccinating your pets routinely

                      

 

 

(For more information, contact Rita Obey @ (713)439-6293, Sandy Kachur @ (713)439-6292, or

Martha Garza @ (713)439-6193)