The most ironic thing about rabies is that it’s terrifyingly lethal, yet we have perfectly effective tools to stop it. Vaccinate your pets. Don’t pet the opossum. Wash bites. Get PEP. That’s it. The virus is a master of horror, but you are a master of hygiene and common sense. So next time you see a raccoon acting like it’s auditioning for a zombie movie, just back away slowly, tell a friend about this article, and maybe consider not sleeping with your windows open in bat season. You’re welcome.
P.S. That raccoon I saw? I looked up the local rabies stats later. Turned out it probably had distemper (a different, non-transmittable to humans virus). But better safe than sorry, right? Stay curious, stay cautious.
