I live in BC and I think an animal that may have rabies has bitten or scratched me. What should I do?

Question: 

I live in BC and I think an animal that may have rabies has bitten or scratched me. What should I do?

Answer: 
Rabies is a very serious and almost always fatal disease caused by a rabies virus. If an animal that may have rabies has bitten or scratched you, you need to seek medical care right away.
  • Contact your local health unit or call 8-1-1 (anytime day or night) to speak with a nurse.
  • A healthcare provider will decide if you need rabies prevention treatment. It is important to begin prevention treatment for rabies as soon as possible. 
  • You can get the rabies for post-exposure prophylaxis  (preventative treatment after potential exposure to the virus) at your local health unit. 
  • Click here to read more about about rabies and the vaccine.
Date last reviewed: 
Friday, Apr 29, 2022