An animal or insect borne illness is one that is acquired from an infected animal or insect, usually through a bite or contact with infected parts of an animal. Sometimes a disease-causing organism may also be inhaled from dust that has been contaminated by an animal.

Some examples of these illnesses include Rabies, West Nile Virus, Lyme Disease, Q fever, Rickettsioses, and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Symptoms vary from illness to illness - for more information on a specific illness, refer to the BC Health Files.
For more information on risk factors and prevention measures contact your local Environmental Health Officer.

Rabies

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) respond to all reports of animal bites to rule out the risk of rabies. In BC, rabies is only endemic (prevalent) in the bat population, and the rate of rabid positive bats is low. However, because rabies is fatal once contracted, follow-up should be thorough and immediate. The follow-up includes a detailed account of the incident and as much information about the animal as is available to determine if there is a risk for rabies.
 
If you or your child has been bitten by a mammal, contact your local health unit where a Public Health Nurse will verify your tetanus vaccination is up to date, and an EHO will perform a follow-up.