Print 
Share 
Text 
To reset, hold the Ctrl key, then press 0.
Rabies is a viral infection affecting the nervous system. Although rare in Canada, rabies is almost always fatal for both animals and people once symptoms appear. That’s why we asked infectious diseases expert Dr. Michaeline McGuinty for advice to help protect you and your furry friends.
How rabies is spread
Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through bites. Most human cases of rabies result from bites by infected dogs, particularly in areas with inadequate vaccination coverage.
Rabies vaccine
Preventing rabies primarily involves vaccination for both domestic pets and persons at high risk of exposure, such as those working directly with animals. If you will be travelling to a place where rabies is more common and you will be in contact with animals, talk to your health-care provider about the rabies vaccine. And whether at home or abroad, you should always avoid direct contact with stray animals.
What to do after a bite
Post-exposure prophylaxis (RPEP) can protect an exposed person from developing rabies, but it only works if administered very soon after the bite. If you are bitten by a wild animal or a potentially unvaccinated pet, you should always go directly to an emergency room or call your local public health unit to determine whether post-exposure prophylaxis is needed to prevent rabies.
Learn more
To learn more about rabies, check out this video with Dr. McGuinty from The Ottawa Hospital’s YouTube Health series.
Support patient care and research at
The Ottawa Hospital
You might also like…
Aging well: Guidance for older adults
In this special video series for both older adults and their loved ones, geriatric care specialists from The Ottawa Hospital offer guidance on navigating common health-care challenges that may arise with aging.
How to stay safe around water this summer
Drowning can happen to anyone — even strong swimmers. Emergency physician Dr. Christian Vaillancourt debunks common myths about drowning, explains how to act quickly to save a life, and shares what you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe around water.
What’s the difference between an optician, optometrist, orthoptist and ophthalmologist?
“Do I need to see an optician, optometrist, orthoptist or ophthalmologist?” We asked Ophthalmologist Dr. Annick Fournier to break down each role so you will know who to consult for your specific eye care needs.
Novice nurses and their mentors learn and grow together
Discover how mentorships at The Ottawa Hospital facilitate a smoother transition into practice for novice nurses, allow experienced nurses to hone their leadership skills, and play a crucial role in retaining nurses from both generations.
Respirologist answers FAQs about cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic disease affecting children and young adults in Canada. Respirologist Dr. Shawn Aaron provides an overview of CF, including causes, symptoms, and the remarkable improvements made in life expectancy over the years.
5 things to know if you or someone you love is dealing with infertility
Around the world, one in six couples struggle to make their dreams of parenthood a reality. Dr. Jenna Gale, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, shares advice to help you or a loved one on the fertility journey.