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The Government of Saskatchewan is marking World Rabies Day on Sunday in an effort to raise awareness around the potentially fatal virus.
The timing really couldn’t be better, as the announcement comes just one day after the City of Warman announced that a dead bat discovered in a yard was found to be carrying the virus.
Read more:
- City of Warman advises caution after rabies-infected bat found in yard
- Health officials warn more people are being bitten by bats across Sask.
- Environment ministry offers tips on dealing with bats, as encounters increase
“World Rabies Day is a valuable opportunity to remind people to take precautionary steps if they have been exposed to rabies, whether through wild or domestic animals,” Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan’s health minister, said in a statement.
“We are continuing to work with public health authorities, as well as the ministries of Agriculture and Environment, on prevention, awareness and response to help keep residents safe.”
On Thursday, the City of Warman advised the public to use extra caution with kids and pets after a bylaw officer discovered the dead bat in a yard. The officer thought the bat appeared a bit unusual and submitted it for rabies testing, which returned a positive result.
“If you see a bat during daylight hours, keep your distance and contact animal control immediately,” the city advised in a social media post.
“If you should come into contact with a bat, please seek immediate medical attention.”
No bat bites or injuries were reported in Warman, but a city spokesperson advised pet owners to ensure all rabies vaccinations are up to date and asked anyone who finds a deceased bird or bat to contact a city bylaw officer.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, the provincial government explained. Humans are most commonly infected through the saliva of an infected animal, which can enter the body through a bite, scratch or contact with broken skin or mucus membranes.
“Early symptoms of rabies can resemble common illnesses, such as fever, headache, or general weakness, but as the disease progresses, more severe signs appear, including anxiety, confusion, paralysis, coma and ultimately death,” the ministry noted.
“Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.”
Skunks and bats are the most common vectors for rabies in Saskatchewan, but the virus can also be found in other animals, both wild and domestic. With bat activity reaching a seasonal peak, the ministry said there have been more encounters between humans and bats in recent weeks, leading to an increase in the number of reported bites.
Anyone who believes they have been exposed to rabies was advised to immediately flush the wound with soap and water, call the provincial 811 health line and visit a doctor as soon as possible. The provincial rabies hotline is also available at 1-844-772-2437.
“Do not touch sick or dead animals or any wild animal with your bare hands; even dead bats can carry rabies. Always wear a long-sleeved shirt and heavy gloves if handling is necessary,” the health ministry added.
“If your pet may have been exposed, call your vet immediately. Report suspicious wildlife to local authorities so they can keep both people and animals safe.”
More information on rabies can be found on the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health’s website.
