Animal Bites

What to Do Immediately

• Wash the bite or scratch thoroughly with soap and running water for 10–15 minutes 
• Seek medical care, especially for deep wounds or signs of infection 
• Report all animal bites to Keokuk County Public Health or local law enforcement as soon as possible 
• Do NOT kill or destroy the animal unless instructed by public health or law enforcement 

Why Rabies Is a Concern

• Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and nervous system 
• Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal 
• Timely medical treatment after exposure can prevent illness 

Reporting and Follow-Up

• All bites are investigated to assess rabies risk
• Public health works with healthcare providers and animal owners to determine next steps 

Quarantine Requirements

• Dogs, cats, and ferrets that bite a person are typically required to be confined and observed for 10 days 
• Quarantine may take place at home (if approved) or at a veterinary clinic 
• The animal is monitored for signs of illness during this period 
• If the animal remains healthy, it was not shedding the rabies virus at the time of the bite 

Rabies Vaccination in Iowa

• Iowa law requires rabies vaccination for dogs
• Rabies vaccination is strongly recommended for cats and other pets, even if not required by law 

Bats and Rabies Risk

• Bats are the most common source of rabies exposure in Iowa 
• You may not feel a bat bite—contact can occur without obvious marks 
• Seek medical advice immediately if: 
  • You wake up and find a bat in the room 
  • A bat is found in a room with a sleeping person, child, or someone unable to report a bite 
  • There is any direct contact with a bat 
• If possible, safely contain the bat for testing and contact public health for guidance 

Prevention Tips

• Avoid contact with unfamiliar or wild animals 
• Keep pets up to date on rabies vaccinations 
• Supervise children around animals 
• Report animals acting strangely, aggressively, or appearing ill