World Rabies Day is September 28^th 2009

Animals testing positive for rabies in Arizona is at a record level. By September 15, there were 202 cases statewide; that is more than the totals for 2003 and 2004 combined. Rabies is almost always fatal, with 45,000 people dying worldwide. IN the U.S., the number is closer to 5.

The best way to protect you and your family from rabies is to vaccinate your pets and be alert when outdoors.

There are several events, including low-cost rabies vaccinations, around the state. Navajo Nation is holding one today and you can check with your county or tribe to see if they have anything scheduled.

On October 1st, there will be a symposium for medical providers and public health officials called "A Symposium: Improving the Prevention and Treatment of Rabies and Tetanus Through Utilization of CDC Guidelines and Statewide Resources". The symposium features speakers from the CDC in Atlanta, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY, and the ADHS, and has panelists representing the Academy of Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Infectious Diseases, USDA Wildlife Services, National Council of LaRaza and Maricopa County Health Department. For information on media coverage, contact: robin@rbendeavors.com.

More information about World Rabies Day

• http://www.worldrabiesday.org
• Event planning ideas and materials
• Information for teachers for outreach to kids, including power points, coloring sheets, etc.
• Media guidance and ideas, including talking points, press releases, PSAs, etc.
• ADHS rabies webpage which includes FAQs, Arizona maps and stats, information for kids/schools (link for Bats & Rabies at Schools – includes a 30 second PSA, kids posters, etc.)
  
• CDC WRD page
• CDC page for kids