The Saskatchewan Health Authority is using World Rabies Day to remind people to be aware of animal bites.

When bitten by any animal, especially a wild animal, the SHA recommends people wash the bite with soap and water, before heading to a doctor or the emergency room. At the doctor or in the emergency room a medical health professional will test the bite for rabies.

Dr. Simon Kapaj, a Medical Health Officer, says there has been an uptick in bat sightings in Saskatchewan, more specifically in urban areas like Saskatoon and Regina.

“We find rabies in animals, especially skunks, foxes, and in the last few years we’ve had an increase of rabies in bats”

Kapaj says people can help prevent the spread of rabies by avoiding wild animals and by getting their pets vaccinated.