Several cases have popped up across the province.
Southwestern Public Health is reminding residents across Oxford, Elgin, and St. Thomas to take precautions after cases of rabies have emerging across Ontario.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease that can spread to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. While it is most common in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, unvaccinated pets like cats and dogs can also carry the virus.
Health officials say protecting both people and animals is the best defense. Vaccinating pets, keeping them indoors at night, and avoiding contact with unfamiliar or aggressive animals can significantly reduce the risk. Children should also be taught safe behaviour around animals and to never approach wildlife, especially those acting strangely.
Rabies symptoms in animals can vary, but often include unusual or aggressive behaviour. Domestic pets may refuse food or water, drool excessively, have difficulty swallowing, or show weakness in their legs or jaw. They may also suddenly become aggressive, attack objects or people, or even bite their own limbs. Wild animals with rabies sometimes lose their natural fear of humans and may appear in the daytime when they are normally only active at night. Because the virus can be present in saliva before symptoms appear, all bites and scratches need to be taken seriously.
For humans, rabies can be treated if medical care is received before symptoms start. Once symptoms appear, however, the disease is almost always fatal. That is why anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should immediately wash the wound with soap and water, seek medical attention, and report the incident to Southwestern Public Health. Doctors, nurses, and animal workers are also required to report animal bites and scratches.
When a bite is reported, Southwestern Public Health investigates within one business day. If the animal involved is a pet, officials will contact the owner and monitor the pet for ten days. If the pet remains healthy, there is no rabies risk to the victim. For wild or stray animals, a risk assessment is performed. If the animal cannot be located, rabies treatment may be necessary.
Public health officials are urging residents to be cautious and take preventive steps. Keeping pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date, avoiding contact with wild or stray animals, and reporting unusual animal behaviour are key to protecting both people and the community.
For more information about rabies prevention or what to do after an animal bite, contact Southwestern Public Health at 1-800-922-0096 or visit their website.
