Rabies is a rare but serious viral disease that infects the brain and nervous systemin warm-blooded animals, including humans. While the risk of rabies in the Simcoe Muskoka is low, you can lower your risk of rabies by avoiding contact with wild animals and getting your dogs, cats and livestock are vaccinated against rabies.
How is rabies spread?
The rabies virus is spread through the saliva of an infectious animal. Exposures can occur through:
- Bites that break the skin
- Saliva entering an open cut, sore, or wound
- Saliva entering the mouth, nose or eyes
What Matters for Your Health
If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, consider seeking medical advice, particularly if the skin has been broken. Reporting animal bites to Public Health helps support follow-up when needed and contributes to community health and safety.
Protecting yourself and your pet:
Public Health’s Role
The health unit works to increase public awareness of rabies and to prevent its spread in our communities by:
- Investigating all possible rabies exposures
- Providing expert advice to clients and their health-care providers when a rabies exposure is suspected
- Promoting the vaccination of domestic animals against rabies
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