Bat, skunk, raccoon, fox are the four major animal reservoirs of rabies in the U.S. right now.
Rabies Postexposure Prophylaxis
Rabies immune globulin should be given only to people who have NEVER been vaccinated against rabies previously.
“For people who have NEVER been vaccinated against rabies previously, postexposure anti-rabies vaccination should always include administration of both passive antibody and vaccine.
The combination of both human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and the vaccine is recommended for both bite and non-bite exposures, regardless of the interval between exposure and initiation of treatment.
People who have been previously vaccinated or are receiving preexposure vaccination for rabies should receive only vaccine.” http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/
“Even when there is no clear bite or abrasion, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends postexposure prophylaxis with immune globulin and vaccine for unvaccinated patients who have been in close proximity to bats, even if there is no sign of injury or damage to the skin, including waking up and finding a bat in the room. In an unvaccinated individual, this means human rabies vaccine and immune globulin given at the time of presentation.”
“Where should immune globulin be given in postexposure prophylaxis? Near to the wound site. However, for patients with no visualized wound (such as those with a bat exposure but no bite), any intramuscular location is acceptable.”
Important Rabies Links
How is rabies transmitted?
http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/transmission/index.html
References
http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/medical_care/
http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/transmission/index.html