We’re hearing more about rabies in the news. Here’s what to know about the virus

Recent news coverage has highlighted a surge in rabies cases among wild animals in British Columbia and Quebec, Canada. In Vancouver, a single skunk tested positive for the virus after biting a small number of people. In Quebec, an outbreak of rabies in raccoons has spread to three cats. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reported 397 lab-confirmed rabies cases in animals between January and September this year, up from 281 cases in the entire 2025 year.

Rabies is a viral infection that targets the nervous system and brain, leading to death if left untreated. It's almost always fatal for humans once symptoms appear, but cases remain extremely rare. The virus enters the body through a bite or scratch, usually from an infected animal, and spreads to the spinal cord and brain.

In Canada, bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes are the primary carriers. Bats are the main culprits in the country. Public health officials stress the importance of seeking medical attention immediately if exposed to any potentially rabid animal, especially bats. Vancouver Coastal Health issued a warning after a rabid skunk bit several people in the city's West End, urging anyone who may have been bitten or scratched to contact the health authority.

There is no treatment for rabies in animals; confirmation requires examining the brain post-mortem. Human treatment involves a series of vaccinations and an immunoglobulin injection given before symptoms arise, typically three to eight weeks after exposure. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, including fever and chills.

Prevention advice includes avoiding direct contact with wild animals, especially those displaying unusual behavior, and ensuring pets are vaccinated against rabies and kept on leashes outdoors. Since 1924, there have been 28 rabies-related deaths in humans in Canada.