Rabies confirmed in Igloolik

05 November 2018 
Public Health Advisory

Rabies confirmed in Igloolik

The Department of Health would like to notify residents of Igloolik that two foxes tested positive for rabies.

Rabies is commonly found in foxes and wolves in Nunavut, and can be spread to dogs when they are bitten by a rabid fox or wolf. Rabies can be passed onto people when an infected animal bites, scratches or licks them. A person, if they have cuts on their skin, can also get rabies when handling/skinning infected animals.

If you have been bitten or scratched, go to the health centre and report the incident immediately. Treatment must be started quickly. If you see an animal behaving strangely, staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking or making strange noises, avoid the animal and report it to bylaw.

A fox that is sick may appear friendly. Children should not play with foxes or other wildlife. Keep domestic animals tied up when they are outside, and monitor their behavior. Rabies vaccinations for domestic animals are available in the community; if interested contact the Igloolik hamlet office for more information.

If you see a fox or wolf wandering around the community, or if your dog had contact with a fox or wolf, call the wildlife manager at 867-934-6326, the regional environmental health officer at 867 473 2676 or the after-hours environmental health on call line at 867-975-5772.

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Media Contact:

Sarah Paterson
A/ Communications Manager
Department of Health
867-975-5762
spaterson@gov.nu.ca


Document(s):
PDF icon 2018-11_pha_hea_rabies_confirmed_in_igloolik-eng.pdf
Health Advisory

Rabies confirmed in Igloolik | Government of Nunavut
https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/news/rabies-confirmed-igloolik-0