The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit wants us to brush up on rabies knowledge after news of the first human rabies infection in the province since 1967.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lina Li, says the news is the perfect jumping off point.
The doctor says rabies is a rare but very serious infection. There’s no cure but there is treatment that is extremely effective. It’s a vaccine used after exposure in a series of shots over a number of days.
Dr. Li also says there’s an animal that poses a greater risk to us than others.
It’s also possible to contract it from other wild animals like foxes or racoons.
You can also get it from your pet, but there are low-cost rabies clinics today (Wednesday) that can wipe that threat out.
The cost is $25 dollars, cash only. Dogs must be leashed and cats must be in carriers. You can see the full list of locations here.
Listen to the full interview with Dr. Li below.