Unfortunately, this year Ottawa is experiencing a record high demand for post exposure rabies treatment. In anticipation, local health authorities are actively monitoring the situation. Ottawa Public Health reports that rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (RPEP) has stretched their department to meet an unprecedented demand. This trend is not limited to the capital — it’s the same story across Ontario for the second year in a row. This concerning uptick is in line with a dramatic increase in rabies cases confirmed by the province. Consequently, it poses a profound danger to public health.
Rabies cases are increasing across Sudan, with up to three hundred fatalities recently reported. Quebec has been the source of 41 confirmed cases, mostly among raccoons. In total, six cases were confirmed in red foxes, raising concern over the risks of the disease to humans and animals. In all of Ontario, there were 24 confirmed rabies cases in mammals this year, 18 of those cases accounted for rabies in bats. The crisis came to a head in Ontario as health officials confirmed their first death from rabies. This is the first rabies-related death in the United States since 1967.
Collaboration Between Health Authorities
Ottawa Public Health is meeting this demand from the public. They are playing an active role with the Ministry of Health in supporting the informative and creative use of these resources. Though there’s an ongoing global lack of immunoglobulin treatment, officials assured rabies vaccine is well stocked in Ontario. “We are keeping a close watch on the weekly use of rabies immunoglobulin, which is administered in hospitals and has been in shorter supply,” stated Ottawa Public Health.
Dr. Michelle Foote, Associate Medical Officer of Health for Ottawa Public Health, emphasized the importance of prioritizing supplies for individuals at high risk of exposure. She has communicated this message, first through a memo addressed to the physicians and nurse practitioners who would be responsible for the treatment of rabies to prospective rabies cases. “To ensure we have enough supply to continue to meet the need,” Dr. Foote highlighted ongoing efforts to balance supply and demand amid surging cases.
Ottawa’s average, in past years, hovered around 188 people each year receiving prophylaxis treatment for rabies. This year has already seen a massive spike, including 310 doses given this year in 2024—the most in recorded history. These figures highlight just how critical it is to have sufficient treatment resources now that public awareness and concern about rabies is increasing.
Rabies Cases Surge Across Ontario
The increase in rabies cases is shocking. This year, Ontario has already experienced an alarming 60% jump in zoonotic animal rabies cases as of 2023. The 90 confirmed cases represent a dramatic increase from last year’s total of 56. The increase in animal rabies incidents necessitates heightened vigilance among residents and health officials alike, as the potential for human exposure rises.
Given these facts, Ottawa Public Health has come out strongly on the need for proper administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. “Appropriate administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (RPEP) is vitally important to ensure patients have the necessary immune protection to avoid contracting rabies,” stated a health official. This guidance is critically important for all people who have been bitten or scratched by an animal. These animals are sometimes known as rabies-transmitting high-risk.
If an animal bites or scratches you, there’s no time to waste. This is especially critical if rabies is not able to be excluded. “If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal and rabies cannot be ruled out by your local public health unit or your health care provider, the best protection is rabies post-exposure prophylaxis with an immunization against rabies,” emphasized health authorities.
Historical Context and Future Implications
In fact, since 1924 Canada has had only 28 recorded rabies fatalities. Of these, 12 occurred in Quebec and nine in Ontario. This recent rabies outbreak has prompted discussion regarding the integrity of our public health preparedness and response systems, and their ability to respond to widespread rabies outbreaks. Ottawa and Ontario face rising case counts and a lack of available treatments. Now more than ever, it’s important to keep the public informed and safe during these unprecedented times.
Ottawa Public Health has been commended for having these crucial conversations with the Ministry of Health. They’re joined together to confront these challenges like never before. Authorities are committed to ensuring that resources are directed toward those at the greatest risk while managing public expectations regarding treatment availability.
