Rabies in Rankin Inlet
Public Health Advisory
Rabies in Rankin Inlet
The Department of Health would like to notify residents of Rankin Inlet that a fox has tested positive for rabies. This fox has been in contact with at least one dog in the community. Due to the danger of rabies, we advise all residents to be on the lookout for foxes in your area.
If you have been bitten or scratched by a fox or a dog, go to the health centre and report the incident immediately. If you have contracted rabies then treatment must be started quickly. 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 them for a change in behaviour and signs of rabies.
Rabies is commonly found in foxes and wolves in Nunavut, and can 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 can get rabies when handling/skinning infected animals.
If you see an animal behaving strangely, staggering, frothing at the mouth, choking or making strange noises, these could be signs of rabies. Avoid the animal and call the Conservation Officer at 867-645-8083 or the Environmental Health Officer at 867-645-8071, immediately.
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Media Contact:
Chris Puglia
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
@email
867-975-5762