Health Analytics, Research & Policy

Rabies in Durham Region 2013-2017

Rabies is a viral disease that affects humans and other mammals

Rabies is usually spread through contact with an infected animal’s

saliva

Animal incidents involving a break in human skin must be reported

to the health department

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) will protect against rabies after

an incident

Once symptoms appear, rabies is

fatal

On average,

1303animal incidents were reported in Durham Region each year between 2013 and 2017

Animal involved

64%of incidents involved

canines

28%of incidents involved

felines

8%of incidents involved

other animals

Type of incident

24%

82%of incidents were

bites

13%of incidents were

scratches

1%of incidents involved

animal handling

PEP was recommended for 24% of incidents

The most common reason for PEP recommendation was failure to

locate suspect animalFive animals (all bats) tested positive

for rabies between 2013 and 2017

To avoid animal incidents and protect against rabies:

Vaccinate pets against rabies as required by law

Do not allow pets to roam unsupervised

Do not interact with stray or wild animals

Do not keep wild animals as pets

Domestic animals involved in an incident must be confined for a 10-day observation period to determine if they develop rabies

Sources:• Durham Region Health Department Information System Database, 2013-2017• Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Guidance Document for the Management of Suspected Rabies Exposures, 2013

Environmental Help Line1-888-777-9613 or 905-723-3818 (phone) 905-666-1887 (fax)durham.ca/healthIf you require this information in an accessible format, contact 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729. Aug18