Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the nerves and causes brain swelling. It’s normally caused by a bite or scratch from an infected animal.

Rabies symptoms in kids include:

• Anxiety or agitation
• Confusion or seeing visions
• Trouble sleeping
• Tingling sensation in the bite area
• Trouble swallowing
• Fear of water

If untreated, rabies can be life-threatening.

In North America, rabies is most common in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. These animals can sometimes infect pets like cats, dogs or farm animals.

The rabies virus enters the body either through a cut or scratch. It can also come in through the mucous membranes, such as the lining of the mouth and eyes. It travels to the central nervous system. Once the infection enters the brain, it travels down the nerves and starts to grow in numbers in different organs.

While rare, rabies can be life-threatening. It’s important to avoid contact with wild animals and make sure pets receive the rabies vaccinations.

Contact your child’s doctor and ask them to call our Pediatric Infectious Disease Program at (414) 337-7070 to request a consult.

Before

If an animal has bitten or scratched your child:

• Wash the wound with soap and water — don’t scrub.
• Apply pressure with a clean bandage if bleeding.
• Dry and cover the wound with a sterile dressing. Avoid tape or butterfly bandages, as this can trap harmful bacteria in the wound.
• Call your child's doctor for help reporting the attack and possible treatment.
• If possible, find the animal and contact animal control to capture it.
• If you can’t find the animal or it is a high-risk animal, your child may need rabies shots.

During

Our providers will test your child and come up with a treatment plan. They will keep you informed every step of the way.

After

You’ll get a visit summary through MyChart. The team will help schedule any follow-up visits.