Bristol- "Rabies is 100% fatal if not treated," said Liberty and Calhoun Counties Health Director Eugene Charbonneau.

Health departments around the globe spread the same message Wednesday as a part of World Rabies Day.

"It is just to bring attention to rabies, to this particular disease that is very serious," said Charbonneau.

Charbonneau said his staff has been busy the last several months with dozens of reported attacks by wild and domestic animals.

"We had 40 bites in Calhoun County, one of which was confirmed to be rabid," said Charbonneau.

He said in the recent confirmed case, a fox had attacked a Blounstown mother and daughter as they opened their front door.

"They both had to go through the imuglobulen injections, which are extremely painful," said Charbonneau.

The shots are also expensive. Charbonneau said the five-shot treatment costs about $2,100. A cost he said, though, is well worth it.

"It's (rabies) also 100% curable if treated," said Charbonneau.

Charbonneau said residents, especially in wooded areas, need to be on the lookout for more rabid animals as winter approaches. He said that's because food supplies become scarce and these animals tend to wonder looking for something to eat.