What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that is deadly for animals and humans once it enters their nervous system.
How is rabies transmitted to humans and animals?
Rabies mainly spreads through the saliva of infected animals when they bite or scratch another animal or human. It can also spread if their saliva, brain tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid (the clear liquid around the brain and spine) comes in contact with a wound or a mucous membrane like the eyes, nose, or mouth.
All mammals can transmit rabies, including wild animals (especially foxes and wolves) but also unvaccinated dogs.
If I am exposed to rabies, how do I protect myself?
Seek help as soon as possible by consulting a nurse or a doctor at your local clinic. They will evaluate the risk and provide the appropriate treatment if needed. Even though rabies is deadly, it can be stopped during the early stage (which lasts at least one week) before it reaches the nervous system.
Cleaning the wound with running water and soap for 10 to 15 minutes will decrease the risk of developing the disease. Seek help as soon as possible afterward.
What treatments will be offered to me?
The wound will first be cleaned with running water and soap for 10 to 15 minutes. This simple action will significantly decrease the risk of developing the disease.
The rabies vaccine (shot) and rabies immunoglobulins (antibodies) could be recommended.
If the suspected animal is acting normally and can be observed (for domestic dogs), then the decision to administer the vaccine and immunoglobulins could be delayed.
How can we protect ourselves and our community from rabies?
- Vaccinate your dogs. Make sure your dogs have their rabies shots. The best way to protect the community is to vaccinate dogs. Vaccinated dogs can’t catch rabies and create a barrier that protects the village from foxes. Your NV can tell you when the next vaccination clinic is planned.
- Teach children to stay safe and avoid teasing dogs.
- Be careful of wild animals. Pay attention to elders’ advice and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit traditional knowledge). Don’t interact with arctic foxes, especially if they look sick or are acting strangely. Keeping a clear distance helps reduce the risks associated with rabies.
- Use safe handling and skinning practices to protect against rabies. Animals that appear to be unwell or are acting strangely may be infected with rabies and should not be skinned.
- Get help at the nursing station if bitten or scratched by a wild animal or a dog.
Can I get vaccinated for rabies before being exposed?
Yes, people working in occupations at risk of rabies exposure, such as those who vaccinate dogs or dog catchers, can be vaccinated before exposure. However, even with this vaccination, they are not completely protected against the disease. Therefore, in the event of contact with a rabid animal, it is essential to go to a clinic, have the wound cleaned, and, in most cases, receive two additional vaccine injections.
However, pre-exposure vaccination is not provided for free and is generally covered by the employer.
Who can I contact if I suspect a dog or a wild animal around town is acting strangely?
Your NV should be informed of this situation as soon as possible.