Published • loading... • Updated
Raccoon rabies outbreak still growing, Quebec public health officials say
Officials say 76 cases have been recorded this year as the disease spreads into urban areas and residents are urged to avoid wild animals.
- Recently, officials warned that rabies is expanding rapidly in the region, describing the situation as "worrisome." This outbreak has reached urban areas, increasing the likelihood of human encounters with infected animals.
- The province has recorded 170 cases since the outbreak began in 2024, including 76 confirmed so far in 2026. Officials noted the disease has a 100 per cent mortality rate in humans and animals once symptoms appear.
- The virus transmits through saliva, bites, or scratches, and can affect humans in urban neighbourhoods. If exposed to an infected animal, people should wash skin with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes immediately.
- Dr. Alex-Ane Mathieu, a public health doctor, said, "It is not because it seems in good health that it poses no risk." Dr. Isabelle Samson, director of public health, urged residents to avoid contact with wild animals this summer.
- Officials at The Environment Ministry report the enhanced surveillance zone covers almost all of the area and southwestern parts of the Eastern Townships; they said the disease has been in "constant progression" since last year.
Insights by Ground AI
34 Articles
34 Articles
The Toronto Star+29 Reposted by 29 other sources
Raccoon rabies outbreak still growing, Quebec public health officials say
LONGUEUIL - Quebec public health officials are sounding the alarm as rabies cases continue to spread in regions to the south and east of Montreal.
·Toronto, Canada
Read Full Article
It is important to know that since 2024, the authorities have confirmed 170 cases, of which 55 in Montérégie for the first few months [...] Read more Public health Montérégie calls for prudence with raccoon rabies appeared first on FM 103.3.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources34
Leaning Left25Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution83% Left
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources lean Left
83% Left
L 83%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
