In the aftermath of the first rabies-related death of a service member since 1967, the Army is screening troops who return from Afghanistan for the disease, as part of the demobilization process. Spc. Kevin Shumaker, a cook with the 615th Military Police Company, died last Aug. 11 from the illness, which he contracted after being bitten b a rabid dog during his deployment. Medics will pay close attention to soldiers who had open wounds and may have been exposed to rabid animals, as well as anyone who may have been bitten.
