Rabies and Animal Bite Prevention:
Grades k-6 Lesson Plan
Click here for a downloadable lesson plan (PDF)
Overview
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a very serious infection of the nervous system that is caused by a virus. Rabies is usually transmitted by a bite or scratch from an infected animal. Infections can also occur when saliva from a rabid animal comes in contact with an open wound or with the eyes or other mucous membranes such as the mouth. Humans who develop a rabies infection often have a history of being bitten, scratched or licked by an infected animal about a month before rabies symptoms began. Early symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, sore throat, and feeling tired. As the virus gets to the brain, the person may act nervous, confused, and upset. Once people develop rabies symptoms, they almost always enter a coma and die. This is why it is very important for a person to see a doctor right away if an animal bites them.
Some Facts about Rabies and Dog Bites in New York City
- Wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes
are the most commonly infected animals.
- Mammals, such as dogs, cats, and humans can get
rabies. Rabies can kill animals and humans.
- Animals with rabies are sick and will bite other
animals and humans.
- Children have the highest rates of dog bites reported
in New York City.
- Most rabid animals found in New York City are raccoons.
How do you know if an animal is Rabid?
- The animal may be aggressive and bite or scratch
without warning.
- The animal may look sick or angry, have trouble walking, or may behave strangely.
What should a person do if they get bitten or exposed to rabies?
- Children should tell an adult right away if they have
been bitten or scratched by an animal or pet.
- Wash the wound with soap and water and see a doctor
right away.
- If there is a possibility of a rabies infection, the
doctor will give the person rabies vaccine (anti-rabies shots) to fight off
the disease. Rabies shots need to be given as soon as possible, before
symptoms appear.
- One shot is given in the area near the bite, and the rest are given in the arm. The vaccination consists of a series for six shots given over 30 days. Without these shots, a person infected with rabies could die.
For more information on Rabies, see the NYCDOHMH Rabies Fact Sheet.
5 Key Prevention Messages for Students
- Stay away from stray dogs and cats.
- Don't go near wild animals, even ones that look
friendly (i.e. raccoons, skunks, bats, or foxes).
- Ask your parents if your pets have received their
rabies shots.
- Keep outdoor trashcans tightly covered and don't
leave pet food outside.
- Tell an adult right away if a wild animal, a dog, cat, or any animal bites or scratches you or your pet.
Objectives
Students will:
- Learn that rabies is very serious and can make
animals and people very sick.
- Learn that people who get rabies and do not get
medicine in time could die.
- Be able to identify animals that could have rabies.
- Learn five (5) ways to help prevent rabies and animal bites.
Materials
Activities and Procedures
- Use the information from the overview section and the Rabies Fact Sheet to introduce
the topic of Rabies and Animal Bite prevention. Emphasize the 5 Key Prevention
Messages.
- Use the examples on the Supplemental Sheet (PDF) to create discussions and/or role-plays.
- Choose an appropriate handout for your class. Assist the students in completing the activities as necessary.
Conclusion
Reinforce Main Messages
- The best way to avoid rabies and animal bites is to
stay away from strays and wild animals.
- Kids should never be afraid to tell an adult if they have been bitten, scratched, or licked by a wild or stray animal.
Related Information
Information for Professionals
For more information on rabies, call 311.
