Health Information

Rabies

Rabies

Rabies is caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected mammals. Rabies can infect any mammal, including humans, pets, wildlife and livestock. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish do not get rabies.

Rabies is spread through:

  • bites that break the skin
  • getting infected saliva in an open cut, sore or other wound
  • getting infected saliva in the mouth, nose or eyes
  • direct contact with infected brain or nervous system tissue through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth

For more information about human exposure to rabies, symptoms of rabies in humans, and information about rabies in wildlife, pets and livestock, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/rabies.

Lambton Public Health Services related to Rabies

  • Active and passive surveillance
  • Case and contact management
  • Promote personal precautions to avoid contact with infected animals
  • Coordination with community partners to offer low-cost rabies vaccination clinics for pets

For General Public

If you’re exposed to the saliva of a potentially rabid animal:

  • Wash the bite or scratch with soap and warm water immediately (use hand sanitizer if there’s no soap or water nearby)
  • Call your family doctor or go to the nearest hospital for treatment right away
  • Your health care provider is required to report the bite or scratch to your local public health unit

For Health Care Providers:

Data & Reports: