Health Tip: Help Prevent Rabies

Dec. 31 -- (HealthDay News) -- Rabies is a dangerous viral infection that can be fatal if not promptly identified and treated. Most of the time when people get rabies, it's acquired from the bite of a rabid animal, such as a dog, raccoon, bat or skunk.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says here's how you can protect yourself from rabies:

• Don't touch or try to pet any animal that you don't know.
• Make sure you get a rabies vaccine if your job or travel exposes you to high risk of being bitten by a rabid animal.
• Vaccinate all of your pets against rabies, making sure they are re-vaccinated as required.
• If you're bringing an animal into a new country, be sure to follow all quarantine regulations.