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Rabies is a very serious and life-threatening disease caused by the rabies virus, which infects the brain and nervous system.
Any mammal can carry the rabies virus. Currently, in B.C. only bats are known to carry rabies. In other parts of Canada, the rabies virus is found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes and coyotes. In some developing countries, dogs and other animals often carry rabies.
As bats have tiny sharp teeth, bite or scratch marks can go unnoticed. For this reason, if you have contact with a bat or if you are unsure if you have been bitten, scratched or licked, you should get advice right away to decide whether you need rabies prevention treatment.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal that seems to be sick, behaves strangely, and may have rabies, you should:
It is crucial to begin prevention treatment for possible rabies as soon as possible. It typically takes from three to eight weeks before rabies symptoms start. If you wait until the symptoms begin to appear, it is usually too late to start effective medical treatment. If there is any chance that you may have been exposed to the rabies virus, contact your local public health unit or family doctor. They will be able to decide if you need rabies treatment.
Animals with rabies often act very strangely. Some animals may become aggressive. Wild animals often show a lack of fear of humans, and they may attack humans for no reason.
Symptoms of rabies in animals include paralysis, especially of the hind limbs and throat muscles. Rabid bats may appear normal except for a gradual weakness and loss of flying ability. Also, rabid bats may come out in the daytime, which is unusual bat behaviour.
Prevention treatment is only successful if started before symptoms appear. It involves getting both rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin.
Rabies Vaccine:
Rabies Immune Globulin:
Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, redness, swelling and itching where the shot was given. Fever, nausea, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and dizziness may also occur.
Common reactions to RIG may include soreness or stiffness where the shot was given. Fever, headache, feeling unwell, rash, or chills may also occur.
Report serious or unexpected reactions to your public health nurse or doctor.
Anyone thought to have been exposed to the rabies virus will receive the vaccine and immune globulin. Speak with a public health nurse or doctor if you have had a life-threatening reaction to eggs or egg products.
Effort is made to seek parental or guardian consent prior to immunizations. Children under the age of 19 who are able to understand the risks and benefits may consent to or refuse immunizations, regardless of the parent’s or guardian’s wishes. It is recommended that parents/guardians and their minor children discuss immunizations beforehand, and ask the nurse or doctor any questions
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