Rabies Update

The Departments of Health and Natural Resources are reminding Nova Scotians that rabies is found in Nova Scotia. Learning how the virus is spread is the key to prevention.

"People should not be overly concerned about rabies in Nova Scotia, but they should be aware of the potential risk and understand how the virus is spread," said Dr. Richard Gould, a medical officer of health in Nova Scotia. "Bats are the most prevalent animal in Nova Scotia that can transmit rabies and, although the risk to humans is very low, we want to educate to help reduce the risk even further."

The Department of Natural Resources advises against the handling of all wild animals, particularly bats. Exposure to rabies can occur if an infected animal bites someone or if the animal's saliva comes into contact with a person's eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound.

To avoid risk to the family pet, owners should remember to keep all vaccinations for pets up to date and consult a veterinarian for more information if their animal exhibits any abnormal behavior.

"If someone has been bitten, or even thinks they have been bitten or had some physical contact with a bat, they should wash the contacted area thoroughly with soap and water and contact their physician and local Public Health Services office as soon as possible," said Dr. Gould. "Once a person lets us know they may have come into contact with a bat, then we can proceed with the follow-up investigation and, if necessary, the rabies vaccine can be administered."

Dr. Gould says this is especially true when there is a reasonable chance that the contact occurred without anyone knowing, for example, when a sleeping person wakes up and notices a bat in the room, someone sees a bat with a child, or a mentally disabled or intoxicated person has been left unattended. Public Health Services should be notified as a precaution.

When someone has been bitten by a bat, it is helpful to have the bat tested, if possible. Advice on how to handle a bat trapped in a home is available from the nearest field office of the Department of Natural Resources or the nearest Public Health Services office. Testing a bat that may have bitten someone could eliminate the need for an unnecessary rabies vaccination.

For more information on rabies, visit the Department of Health Web site at: www.gov.ns.ca/health .