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Rabies a serious threat throughout Delaware

December 19, 2017

State Health Department officials say a Rehoboth Beach man was bitten by a raccoon that tested positive for rabies Dec. 13. So far, officials revealed the man lives in Kings Creek, but they provided no indication where in that rambling community the bite occurred.

Asked to provide a nonspecific address, say the 100 block of Kings Creek Circle, a spokeswoman declined, saying the entire Kings Creek community should be on alert.

In addition, Office of Animal Welfare officers will canvass Kings Creek to inform homeowners and increase awareness of the importance of protecting both humans and pets.

These are positive steps for those who live in the community. But Kings Creek is in a highly populated area, barely a stone's throw from Sea Air, Camelot and The Landing, to name the closest neighborhoods. Offering a generalized address could go a long way toward spurring people to take precautions, especially with children and pets.

As has become customary, the Department of Health and Social Services says it cannot provide a generalized address because of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, commonly known as HIPAA.

This excuse is unacceptable. The rules prevent revealing private health information that could harm a person's reputation or cause financial or other harm. It's hard to see how a generalized address that could cover numerous houses would harm anyone. On the other hand, if people knew they were in close proximity to where the bite occurred, they would be far more likely to keep pets and children under close watch.

Still, the most important thing to know is that even before this case, rabies is endemic in Delaware. The disease is everywhere throughout the state.

That makes it urgent for pets be up to date with rabies vaccines.

It also means everyone and all pets who come into contact – even just a scratch – with wild or unfamiliar animals should consider themselves at risk and seek immediate attention.

 

  • Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporters Ron MacArthur and Chris Flood. 

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