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Rabid dog in North Carolina bit 4 people, reports say

A puppy that had contracted rabies recently bit four people in North Carolina.

According to WNCT, a puppy that had contracted rabies was recently in contact with 17 different people in North Carolina. Of those 17, the puppy reportedly bit four.

Officials are instructing all individuals who believe they may have been bitten by the dog to seek medical attention to determine whether they contracted rabies from the puppy. If treated shortly after being exposed, this fatal disease can be kept under control.

Under North Carolina law, all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies by the time they are four months old, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. In this case, the puppy had not yet reached that age.

Protect yourself and your family from a dog bite injury

Every year, approximately 4.5 million people in the United States suffer a dog bite, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sadly, about 50 percent of the people who are bitten are children.

When a dog bites an individual, the consequences are often far more serious than many would suspect. In about one out of every five dog bite cases, the individual who suffered the bite requires medical care. In other words, every year, about 885,000 people require medical attention to care for a dog bite – about 442,500 of those are children, according to the CDC.

In some cases, those who suffer dog bites require serious medical attention, including surgery. Particularly when a dog bites a person’s face, he or she may require reconstructive surgery to fix the damage done by the bite. According to the CDC, over 27,000 Americans required reconstructive surgery to repair injuries suffered as a result of a dog bite in 2012.

According to the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, people can take some steps to protect themselves from suffering a dog bite. For instance, if you are approached by an unfamiliar dog, refrain from making eye contact. In some cases, it may be wise to throw an object away from both you and the animal, to divert its attention. In addition, they warn that even if a dog is wagging its tail, it does not mean it does not pose a threat.

Dog owners should be held responsible for the dangerous behavior of their pets. If a dog attacks and bites another person, the injuries suffered can be substantial, leading to significant medical bills. If you have been injured by a dog bite, take the time to talk to a skilled personal injury lawyer. In such cases, a legal professional will work on your behalf to make certain your interests are protected and you receive the compensation to which you may be entitled.

Keywords: dog bite, North Carolina