September 28th Marked World Rabies Day
The Alliance for Rabies Control and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention marked World Rabies Day on the 28th of September.
Fortunately, the US has been free of the canine rabies virus since 2007, mainly due to mandatory vaccinations and licensing standards. However, even though dogs may not contract the virus from another dog, they may still be at risk of contracting the virus from skunks, raccoons and other carriers, which is why owners are still required to vaccinate their dogs.
Although rabies may not be a major issue after a dog bite, you will still need basic first aid for the wound. You may also need antibiotics, and your doctor may also recommend a Tetanus shot. In case of a child dog bite victim, it's best to seek immediate medical attention. This is especially true if the dog bites are located on the face, head or neck. If the dog can be traced to an owner, vaccination records will show whether it was vaccinated or not. However, in case of a dog that attacks and flees the scene with no owner nearby, and no way of tracing the owner, then your doctor may suggest a rabies vaccine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 4.5 million people every year suffer dog bites. One in five of these will be injured severely enough to require medical treatment for their injuries. Not surprisingly, children are at a higher risk of serious injuries in a dog bite attack. Adults aren’t completely safe either. In August, an elderly couple in Georgia was mauled to death by a pack of dogs owned by a single owner.
In New Jersey, dog owners are liable for any damages caused by a dog bite involving their pet, even if their dog has never previously showed any signs of being dangerous or vicious.
Scott Grossman is a New Jersey dog bite lawyer representing dog bite attack victims in Monmouth, Bergen, Passaic and Ocean Counties, and across New Jersey.
