Video Story
Watch VideoRabies vaccine in short supply
Story By: Susan Davies
Source: KOAA
A serious rabies vaccine shortage is of concern to public health officials.
There is plenty of rabies shots available for dogs and cats. And someone bit by a pet is at low risk for contracting rabies.
But a production problem has caused a national shortage of vaccine and forced Colorado health departments to intervene with hospitals and make sure vaccine is only given when absolutely necessary.
In Colorado bats are the main carriers of rabies. Skunks, foxes and raccoons also carry the virus and people bit or scratched by any of these mammals need to seek medical attention.
El Paso County Medical Director Dr. Bernadette Albanese says pet-owners need to remain vigilante and make sure pets are vaccinated because unprotected pets can catch rabies from infected skunks and bats and bring it into the home.
Untreated, rabies is always fatal. 55,000 people die of rabies worldwide each year.
