Nunavut community reports case of rabies

A fox is spotted on the ice in Cambridge Bay last October, one of dozens spotted in and around the Kitikmeot community in recent months. (PHOTO BY JANE GEORGE)

Another Nunavut community has reported a case of rabies.

This time, a fox captured in Gjoa Haven has tested positive for the potentially fatal virus, the Government of Nunavut’s health department said Jan. 6.

Foxes spotted in and around communities are considered a danger because if infected with rabies, they can transmit the virus to dogs, and to people.

“If you’ve been bitten or scratched by a fox, wolf or another animals, please go to the health centre and report the incident immediately,” said the Jan. 6 GN release. “Treatment must be started quickly.”

The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, causing disease in the brain which can be fatal.

Early symptoms of the virus include fever, headache and general weakness. If rabies progresses untreated, it can cause insomnia, anxiety, confusion, partial paralysis, hallucinations, an increase in saliva and difficulty swallowing.

Death will often occur within days of the onset of those symptoms.

Gjoa Haven is the second Nunavut community that’s reported a case of rabies in a fox in recent weeks; Resolute Bay also reported a case of rabies in mid-December.

Communities across the territory are reporting high numbers of foxes in and around their communities this winter.

In Baker Lake, residents say both dogs and foxes have been killed in recent weeks for fear of rabies. In the Kitikmeot, the hamlet of Cambridge Bay has also had to destroy a number of foxes found in the community this winter.

Nunavummiut can visit their local hamlet office to have their dogs vaccinated.

Nunavummiut should contact their hamlet office or environmental health officer is they see any foxes or wolves in the community or near dogs.

In Gjoa Haven, residents can call 867-360-7141.