Mississauga residents should be cautious after Peel Public Health reported two cases of rabies in bats. While no humans have been affected yet in Peel, rabies is a serious health risk, so it’s important to be informed and stay safe.
Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the nervous system and can spread from infected animals to people. It usually spreads through bites or scratches from infected animals. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, so it’s crucial to prevent it and seek treatment right away.
Understanding Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, causing inflammation of the brain. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites or scratches. Once the virus enters the body, it travels through the nervous system to the spinal cord and brain, replicating itself, and then travelling to other areas of the body.
Symptoms of Rabies
Rabies symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the infection. Early symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Cough
- Fever
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Sore throat
- Tiredness
Someone who has been exposed to rabies without treatment might also experience pain, tingling, numbness or itching around the wound. As the virus replicates and spreads, more severe symptoms appear, including:
- Hallucinations
- Hydrophobia (fear of water)
- Muscle spasms
- Paralysis
- Seizures
Recognizing Rabies in Animals
Recognizing rabies in an animal involves looking for specific signs and behaviour, that only a professional can diagnose. It is always good practice to keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially when they are showing signs of rabies, which include:
- Aggressive behaviour
- Disorientation
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of coordination
- Paralysis
- Unusual vocalizations
Pet owners can never be too careful and should keep an eye out for signs. The incubation period for rabies in dogs and cats, for example, is generally 10 days.
Reporting Rabies Cases
If you see an animal displaying these types of symptoms in Mississauga, contact Mississauga Animal Services at 905-896-5858. The City of Mississauga is committed to protecting the health and safety of its residents and will take all necessary steps to address any potential rabies threats.
The Prevalence of Rabies in Mississauga
Rabies is not prevalent in Mississauga but there have been some cases reported. The latest occurrences in Peel are the 9th and 10th known positive cases over five years. So far, all have involved bats, which are common carriers of the rabies virus. It’s worth noting that most bats are healthy and play a crucial role in our ecosystem by providing an incredible level of pest/insect control. Other carriers include raccoons, skunks and foxes.
Here’s a breakdown of the verified rabies cases in Peel between 2019 and 2023:
- 2023: 2 bats
- 2022: 2 bats
- 2021: 0
- 2020: 2 bats
- 2019: 4 bats
Prevention and Treatment
While the risk of humans and pets contracting rabies is low, the disease can be fatal if left untreated. If you’ve been exposed to the virus, immediately wash the wound with soap and water and apply antiseptic. Seek medical attention from a healthcare provider or local hospital as a rabies vaccine may need to be administered. Call the Region of Peel (Peel Public Health) to report the incident.
Rabies treatment is most effective when exposure first happens. The rabies vaccine must be administered before any symptoms appear. If it is given soon after a bite or scratch occurs, and before any rabies symptoms appear, it can prevent rabies from developing. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.
Staying Safe from Rabies
Here are some tips to help protect yourself and your pets from rabies:
- Avoid contact with wild animals. If you see a wild animal that is sick, injured or in distress, contact Mississauga Animal Services at 905-896-5858.
- Do not feed wild animals.
- Keep your pets vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinations are essential for protecting your pets and help to prevent the spread of rabies.
- Supervise your children around animals, especially wild animals.
Rabies Bait Program
The City of Mississauga is part of the Government of Ontario – Ministry of Natural Resources rabies bait program. If you see a small yellow pill packet in parks, trails or forests throughout the city, don’t be concerned. These are bait packs that contain a rabies vaccine. They’re not harmful to pets or humans but shouldn’t be touched as they are meant for wildlife to eat.
Be Informed and Stay Safe
Rabies can be found throughout Ontario, so it is important to be aware if you are camping or travelling to a cottage. Information about animals that have tested positive for rabies in Ontario, including maps, can be found on the provincial government website. While some wildlife might look cute, they can have rabies. Residents are reminded to protect themselves and their pets from exposure and contact with all wild animals.
Staying informed about rabies and following these simple precautions can help protect you and your loved ones from this deadly disease.
