The Grey Bruce Health Unit is urging residents to take precautions against potentially exposing yourself to rabies.
Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, including humans.
The virus usually transmits to humans from the bite of an infected animal.
The most common animals in Canada to have rabies are bats, foxes, skunks, and racoons.
Andrew Barton, the Senior Public Health Manager who oversees GBHU’s Environmental Health program said in a release that usually this time of year is when public health sees an increase in people being bitten by animals that could be carrying the rabies virus.
Barton also said, “Rabies is a very serious virus that, if left untreated, is almost always fatal, including in humans.”
To prevent potential rabies exposure:
- Never pet animals you do not know, including stray animals;
- Do not food or handle wild animals;
- Teach children to stay away from wild or stray animals;
- Do not touch dead/sick animals;
- Do not keep wild animals as pets; and
- Bat-proof your home
If you have been exposed to the saliva of a potentially rabid animal, you should wash the area immediately, call your family doctor or go to the nearest hospital immediately, and report it to the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 519-376-9420.
For more information, visit https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.
