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Skunk in downtown Vancouver that bit people tests positive for rabies
Vancouver Coastal Health said a small number of people were treated after the skunk tested positive for rabies.
- On Wednesday, Vancouver Coastal Health confirmed a skunk that bit a number of people in downtown Vancouver tested positive for rabies, prompting a public health advisory.
- Vancouver Coastal Health noted that rabies infections are extremely rare in Canada, with bats serving as the primary viral "reservoirs," and the virus is not transmitted through exposure to spray, urine, or feces of infected skunks.
- A small number of people bitten by the animal have received rabies vaccinations and immunoglobulin; officials advise anyone bitten or scratched to "wash the wound with soap and warm water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical care immediately."
- Pet owners whose animals had direct contact with a sick or abnormally behaving skunk between Sept. 22 and Oct. 17 in areas including Stanley Park, the West End, and near Georgia and Burrard streets should contact their veterinarian immediately.
- While rabies remains a serious infection affecting the brain and nervous system, transmission events in urban centers like Vancouver are uncommon, and health officials continue monitoring anyone who had contact with a sick animal during the four-week window.
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Rabies confirmed in Downtown Vancouver
VANCOUVER Coastal Health (VCH) on Wednesday notified the public that a skunk captured in downtown Vancouver has tested positive for rabies. While interactions with skunks are rare, a small number of people bitten by the skunk have been assessed and received rabies vaccinations and immunoglobulin to prevent rabies. Rabies virus is found in the saliva […]
·Surrey, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources29
Leaning Left20Leaning Right0Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution71% Left
Bias Distribution
- 71% of the sources lean Left
71% Left
L 71%
C 29%
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