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Guidance for Medical Professionals
Environmental Health
When your facility has knowledge of an incident where a human has been exposed to a suspected or known rabid animal, it is required by Florida Statues Chapter 381 and Florida Administrative Code Chapter 64D-3 that exposures are reported to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). A suspected rabid animal is any mammal capable of transmitting rabies regardless of risk category. An animal cannot be ruled out as suspect until a full rabies investigation and/or testing has been completed by FDOH. Provoked scratches from healthy appearing dogs with a rabies vaccine history do not need to be reported.
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Decision Tree - Post-Exposure Rabies Prophylaxis (PEP)
The decision to initiate rabies post-exposure prophylaxis after a potential exposure should be made following a thorough risk assessment. The following recommendations are only a guide. Consider the animal species involved, the circumstances of the bite or other exposure, the vaccination status of the animal, the availability of the animal for observation or rabies testing, and the presence of rabies in the region. Local or state health officials should be consulted if questions arise about the need for rabies prophylaxis. FDOH in Hillsborough County can be reached at 813-307-8059 during business hours and after hours at 813-307-8000.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Domestic animals (dogs, cats, and ferrets) which bite or otherwise potentially expose a person to rabies can be confined for observation for 10 days. Livestock, including horses, can be confined for a 14-day observation period. Humans exposed to an animal that can be monitored rarely require post-exposure prophylaxis.
Post-Exposure Rabies Prophylaxis Decision Tree
Rabies PEP Administration Guidance and Schedule
Post-exposure prophylaxis includes rabies vaccine with or without rabies immune globulin. The specific regimen depends upon the patient's prior rabies vaccine history. The following guidance and schedule are provided for the administration of the rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
PEP Administration Guidance and Schedule
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