09/27/2025
Canadians sometimes think of Rabies as a “disease of the past." Globally, however, it still kills almost 60,000 people per year. Rabies is almost always fatal; in all of history less than 20 people are reported to have survived a clinical rabies infection.
Rabies affects the central nervous system of humans and other mammals. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, or if saliva, blood, or other fluids from an infected animal directly enter the eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound.
Thankfully rabies in humans is very rare in Canada due to effective prevention and control programs. Post-exposure prophylactic treatment is very effective. Sadly a child in Northern Ontario died last year after a bat bite that didn't get addressed in time.
All recent human cases in Canada have been linked to exposure to bats. Bats are the most common carriers of rabies in Canada; an estimated one to four per cent of bats in Canada may be infected. 96 animals (bats and foxes) have tested for Rabies in Ontario so far this year (2025). Rabies often manifests as paralysis in bats, leading them to be found on the ground. An infected animal will likely die within a week once clinical signs of illness are present.
In humans, rabies symptoms typically appear 20 to 60 days after exposure but can range from days to years. Initial symptoms may be flu-like (fever, headache, weakness) or there may be discomfort/pain at the bite site. As the disease progresses, increased difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, muscle spasms, anxiety, irritability, confusion, seizures, abnormal behaviour, and fear of water (hydrophobia) can occur. As previously mentioned, rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
All dogs, cats, horses, and ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies.
The Canadian government regularly undertakes wildlife vaccination programs to help immunize wild animals against rabies.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:
Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
Apply rubbing alcohol or iodine if available.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Contact your physician or local public health unit right away, even if the exposure seems minor or if the animal's rabies status is uncertain. Prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), including a vaccine series and immune globulin, can prevent the disease if administered before symptoms appear.
Report the incident to your local health department or public health authority.
If possible, the biting animal may be tested for rabies which requires euthanasia and brain material testing. There is no test for rabies that can be reliably performed on live animals.
Consult your veterinarian immediately if your pet is bitten by another animal. They will assess the situation and your pet's vaccination status. Depending on vaccination status, pets may be placed under observation or quarantine. Post exposure vaccination can help reduce quarantine requirements. Contact your appropriate provincial authority if bitten by a stray or wild animal. Identifying or safely capturing the biting animal can help determine if your pet was exposed but always prioritize your own safety.
(adapted from the CVMA article by M. Kornya)
