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, 1303 animal 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 animal Five 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 Line 1-888-777-9613 or 905-723-3818 (phone) 905-666-1887 (fax) durham.ca/health If you require this information in an accessible format, contact 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729. Aug18