Fox Suspected to have Rabies near Meliadine Mine
Public Health Advisory
Fox Suspected to have Rabies near Meliadine Mine
The Department of Health is advising Rankin Inlet residents and local mine workers to be aware of rabies following an incident with an aggressive fox near the Meliadine Gold Mine this week. The fox has not been captured and it is suspected to be infected with rabies.
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 been exposed to rabies, 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 also get rabies when handling and 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 immediately call the Conservation Officer at 867-645-8083 or the Environmental Health Officer at 867-645- 8071.
###
Media Contact:
Danarae Sommerville
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5712
@email