Rabies is a serious and deadly disease caused by a rabies virus. The virus infects the brain and nervous system.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a serious and deadly disease caused by the rabies virus. The virus infects the brain and nervous system.
How is rabies spread?
Rabies is spread through the spit (saliva) of an infected animal. Humans can get infected with rabies after being bitten or scratched by an infected animal.
In B.C., the only animals known to be infected with rabies are bats. Bat bites and scratches may transmit rabies. In other parts of Canada, rabies is commonly found in other wild animals, such as foxes, raccoons and skunks. In developing countries, such Africa and Southeast Asia, rabies is common in stray dogs.
What are the symptoms of rabies in humans?
Symptoms usually start three to eight weeks after being infected, but it can take much longer. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive drooling
- Muscle spasm or weakness
- Strange behaviour
What are the risks of rabies?
If you are not treated in time, rabies can be deadly. Most people infected with rabies die of the disease.
How can I prevent getting rabies?
- Immunize your cat, dog or ferret against rabies. Even indoor cats need to be immunized against rabies in case they escape or bats enter your house.
- Stay away from wild animals and animals you do not know.
- Stay away from bats — even dead ones.
- Ask your doctor or local travel clinic about the rabies vaccine if you’re travelling to developing countries, such as Africa and Southeast Asia.
- If you are a student at a Canadian Veterinary College or Animal Health Technology Training Centre you are eligible for a free (publicly funded) rabies vaccine. Contact your doctor, pharmacist or Public Health for an appointment.
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If you are employed in animal health or rabies research, the rabies vaccine is recommended but not publicly funded. Contact your employer about getting the vaccine.
Booking an immunization appointment with Public Health
Residents of Fraser East (Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope), call 604-702-4906
Residents in any other area of Fraser Health, call 604-476-7087
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)
Note: When making an appointment with Public Health, you will be offered a text message reminder through the ImmunizeBC text message reminder system.
What should I do if I have been exposed to rabies?
Resources
For more information about rabies and the rabies vaccine, go to:
- B.C. Centre for Disease Control: Rabies
Information for health professionals, veterinarians and the public. - Community bat program
If you know of bats living in a building and would like to learn more about how to safely evict them. - I Boost Immunity
Earn a vaccine for someone in need by answering a quiz. - Kids Boost Immunity
Curated lessons with interactive quizzes that mirror your province's science, health and social studies curriculum – all for free. For every quiz that students complete, they will earn a vaccine for someone in need.