When you think of a petting zoo, you probably picture adorable baby goats waiting to be petted. Unfortunately, a North Carolina petting zoo rabies exposure has turned that innocent experience into a serious health concern.
Visitors reportedly interacted with baby goats that were later found to have rabies. Health officials say more than 200 people may have been exposed to the deadly virus.
The Department of Health and Human Services say that of Thursday, Sept. 2nd, local health departments conducted 284 exposure risk assessments. All relating to the Farm Adventures petting zoo.
More Than 200 People Recommended Rabies PEP
Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) has been recommended for 213 patients. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is treatment given after someone may have been exposed to the rabies virus. It helps prevent rabies from developing after an animal bite, scratch, or other possible exposure. Treatment usually begins with thoroughly cleaning the wound with soap and water.
People who have never received a rabies vaccine typically receive rabies immune globulin and a series of rabies vaccines. The immune globulin provides immediate protection while the vaccines help the body develop its own immune response. PEP should begin as soon as possible after a suspected rabies exposure. When given appropriately before symptoms develop, PEP is highly effective at preventing rabies.
