Rabies in dog confirmed in Naujaat
Animal suspected to be infected with disease attacked other dogs last month
Rabies has been confirmed in a Naujaat dog that attacked other dogs in the hamlet last month. (File photo)
Testing has confirmed rabies in a dog that attacked other dogs in Naujaat last month.
The Nunavut Department of Health published the update Friday in a public service announcement.
“If you have been bitten or scratched by a fox or a dog, please go to your local health centre and report the incident immediately,” the announcement said.
“Treatment must be started quickly after exposure, as rabies infections are almost always fatal.”
The rabid dog was euthanized March 31 and its remains were sent for testing.
The announcement advises anybody who knows of a dog that was attacked by this dog to contact the regional environmental health officer at 867-645-6660.
The animal in question was a medium-size black husky mix with tan legs, said Pierre Essoh, a spokesperson for the Department of Health. If anybody has any further questions or concerns, they can contact the environmental health office, he said.
It also asked people in Naujaat to monitor their outdoor pets for any signs of rabies.
Rabies symptoms include strange or aggressive behaviour, staggering, frothing at the mouth, or choking and other unusual vocalizations. Wild animals affected by the disease may approach humans without fear.
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