May 1, 2025

Halton Region Public Health - Rabies Update in Halton Region

This message is sent on behalf of Halton Region Public Health

Dear parents/guardians, 

Please review the following important information regarding rabies prevention, which includes reporting potential rabies exposures to Halton Region Public Health.

In 2024, there were 91 confirmed rabies cases in wildlife in Ontario, including two bat cases in Halton Region (Burlington and Milton). While the raccoon strain remains active in Hamilton and surrounding areas, including Halton, human rabies cases are rare. The most recent case, reported on Sept. 6, 2024, was the first locally acquired case since 1967. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources continues surveillance, testing and vaccine baiting, with the next baiting program scheduled for spring. For more details, visit: Ontario Rabies Info.

Rabies is a fatal disease that affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It spreads through exposure to saliva from an infected animal by a bite, scratch, open cut in skin or onto mucous membranes such as the mouth or eyes. If your child is exposed to a potentially rabid animal, it is important to wash the wound thoroughly and seek immediate medical attention to assess the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccination. Timely administration of PEP can prevent rabies and is only effective if given before symptoms occur.

Halton Region Public Health reminds all parents and guardians, as well as students, to follow these key prevention steps:

• Avoid unfamiliar cats and dogs.

• Observe wildlife from a distance.

• Do not attempt to relocate any wild animals.

• Do not pet, feed or touch sick or dead animals.

• Avoid animals that are behaving strangely, and report strays to animal control services.

• Ensure pets are kept indoors at night and do not roam free to prevent contact with wild animals.

• Make sure pets' rabies vaccinations are up-to-date.

• If your pet comes into contact with a raccoon or other wildlife, ensure the pet is immediately assessed by a veterinarian.

• If your child is bitten or scratched by an animal or has contact with wildlife, they should immediately inform an adult (parent, guardian or teacher).

• Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal or had physical contact with wildlife should immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention.

Ontario law requires that all animal bites, scratches and possible exposures be reported to Halton Region Public Health as soon as possible by calling 311, including weekends and holidays.

For more information on rabies, please visit: https://www.halton.ca.

mental health & well-being information sessions

The Halton District School Board has announced additional Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions for parents/guardians this Spring. 

The upcoming sessions include: 

• Youth and Vaping: What Parents/Guardians Need to Know | Thursday, May 22 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Learn more about the sessions available by visiting our Mental Health & Well-Being Information Sessions webpage and register online by completing the registration form. When you register, you can also submit a question for the presenters.

Registration is required for these sessions as limited spots are available. Registrants will be emailed a Google Meet link to access the session. Captioning in various languages is available. 

Reach Out Centre For Kids (ROCK) - Access & System Navigation Webinars 

ROCK is a non-profit, community-based agency that supports the mental health and well-being of children, youth and families. ROCK is offering free webinars to help families learn how to access ROCK’s programs and services. Each session will review the general process from first contact, connections to programs and services and more. Webinars run throughout the year with identical content and families are encouraged to register for the session that best fits their schedule. Learn more and register.