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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
