BLOOMFIELD, MO. -- Amy Hector has worked for the Stoddard County Public Health Department for the past 15 years; and, in that time, she hasn't seen a case of rabies in the county. But, she said that doesn't mean there won't be.
"I'm not na*ve enough to think there's something magical or special about Stoddard County that keeps rabies away," Hector said. "It's something we should all be cautious about."
The reason for the most recent caution is the fact that Bollinger County has set a rabies alert after a domesticated dog and a bat both tested positive for rabies. While the alert only applies to Bollinger county, neighboring counties are watching closely to see if the disease might make it to them.
"In counties west of us -- like Ripley County -- there have been numerous alerts over the years," Hector explained. "But, the average for Missouri is about 50 cases per-year."
Hector noted that figure isn't exactly indicative of the presence of the disease in the state, as those numbers only come from confirmed cases that have been tested.
"I'm sure there are animals out there with rabies that don't get tested," Hector remarked. "The reason we watch so closely for it is because it can be so fatal for humans. Once you starting showing signs and symptoms of it, it's too late."
Hector explained that the incubation period for rabies in humans is anywhere from three to eight weeks, and that the virus effects different people in different ways.
"Sometimes, it just depends on the person's immune system," Hector said. "If their immune system is strong, it may not effect them much."
Hector said other determining factors include the severity of a bite and the location of a bite.
"Sometimes, if someone happens to get bitten by a bat while they sleep, they won't know," Hector said. "Those bites aren't always easily detected."
Hector explained that one of the most important measures that can be taken is pet owners making sure their animals are up to date on their vaccinations.
"Your pets can come into contact with the rabies virus pretty easily," Hector said. "It could be from something as simple as them coming into contact with a possum or a skunk in your back yard."
Hector said that unusual behavior -- such as a nocturnal animal being out in the day time, or lack of fear of humans in a wild animal -- should all be warning signs.
"If a possum or something just comes up out of nowhere and bites you, that is a sign that you should go follow up with a physician," Hector remarked. "The problem is that a lot of people don't follow up with their physician after a bite."
Hector said it's also a good practice to keep children from petting stray animals.
"The issue there is that stray animals are subjected to the rabies virus a lot more," she remarked. "Usually, strays haven't been vaccinated, so they're a much higher risk for the disease."
In the event a person or animal gets attacked by another animal, Hector suggests always following up with a physician.
"If your pet gets attacked and bitten, it's always a good idea to take them to the vet," Hector said. "Even if it's been 10 months since your pet had the vaccination. It's better safe than sorry."