Childhood Diseases and Illnesses
Rabies/Animal Bites
Description/Symptoms
- Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the central nervous system of humans and warm-blooded animals. It is spread through the saliva and mucus membranes of an infected animal such as a dog, cat, fox, skunk, raccoon, coyote, bat and other wild animals. Pets and humans can become infected when they come in contact with these animals.
- Rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, rats and mice are rarely infected with rabies but may carry other harmful germs. A physician should be consulted for these types of animal bites.
- Humans and other mammals can become infected through a bite, cut or scratch from an animal with rabies or if the rabies virus comes into contact with the mucus membranes in their mouth, nose or eyes.
- Rabies can be prevented if you seek medical treatment promptly following exposure to a rabid animal. Once symptoms appear, rabies is always fatal in animals and people.
Instructions for Schools
- Report all animal bites IMMEDIATELY to Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 with the following information:
- Name and address of the victim (and the name of their parent/guardian if they are under 16 years old
- telephone number(s)
- age and weight of the victim
- a description of the animal
- name, address and telephone number(s) of the animal's owner
- a brief description of what happened.
- In addition, if the animal is a stray or a wild animal, get a good description of the animal, its location and report it to the local animal control office.
- In Brampton 905-485-5800
- In Caledon 905-584-2272
- In Mississauga 905-896-5858
- In Brampton 905-485-5800
- Wash the affected area well with soap and water and flush the wound with running water.
- Ensure the victim gets medical attention as soon as possible.
- Remember to protect the confidentiality of the student by not disclosing a diagnosis to concerned parents and/or colleagues. If contact follow up of those exposed is required Peel Public Health will contact those who are at risk
Notes
- Do not touch or feed stray or wild animals.
- Avoid having animals that may bite in the classroom
- Have pets vaccinated against rabies as recommended by your veterinarian.
- Teach children about animal safety.
- Educational information is available from the Environmental Health Division of Peel Public Health.
Resources and related links:
Disclaimer:
Peel Public Health is not responsible for the content of the linked websites and the information presented there
