Rabies Information for Health Care Professionals

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of all mammals, including humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.

Bats, foxes, dogs and raccoons are of primary concern in Niagara. Small mammals, such as mice, gerbils and hamsters have also been known to transmit rabies. Animals that are rabid will show a variety of signs ranging from withdrawal to aggression.

Transmission of rabies

Rabies spreads through infected saliva from bites and scratches. At this point there will be no symptoms of rabies in the person bitten.

When the virus enters the body, it spreads through the nervous system until it reaches the brain. Once in the brain, the virus multiplies quickly and symptoms appear. The distance of virus entry from the brain will determine the length of time it takes for rabies symptoms to appear.

In most cases, rabies symptoms appear from one to three months, but it can be as short as a few days or as long as several years after the exposure. It is never too late to start rabies vaccination.

Considerations for vaccination

• Exposure to the neck or head

  For an exposure to the neck or head, it may be necessary to start rabies post-exposure prophylaxis right away.

  Considerations should be given to delay rabies post-exposure prophylaxis even if:

  • The animal is domesticated
  • The animal is fully vaccinated against rabies
  • The bite was provoked
  • There's a low prevalence of rabies in the area

• Animal is available for observation

  If an animal is available for observation for a prescribed period by the health department, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis doesn't need to be started right away.

  You should wait the prescribed observation period before starting post-exposure prophylaxis.

  This is part of the investigation by Public Health.

• Animal tests positive for rabies

  If an animal has tested positive for rabies by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the local health unit will work with all partners, including the client's physician should such an event occur.

• Exposure from a bat

  If the exposure is from a bat, there must be direct contact (the bat touching or landing on a person) AND a bite, scratch or saliva exposure into a wound or mucous membrane.

  Factors that direct contact has happened include an individual waking up crying or yelling, or the presence of a new bite or scratch.

  For children or adults unable to give a reliable history, any direct contact with a bat, even through clothes, should be a reason for intervention.

  If you are unsure about your exposure, email Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services or call 905-688-8248 ext. 7590.