CENTRE WELLINGTON – A bat in Centre Wellington has tested positive for rabies, marking the first confirmed case of a rabid bat this year in the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) region.
Public health officials say the bat tested positive on Aug. 12.
“An individual has begun a precautionary treatment protocol for potential exposure,” stated an Aug. 13 press release from public health.
Rabies is a fatal virus that affects mammals, including humans, and is most commonly spread by wild animals like raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes and bats.
“Although rabies is rare, it can be fatal when left untreated,” stated Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, WDGPH asociate medical officer of health.
“Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal should wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.”
WDGPH officials say rabies “is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop, so treatment must be given as soon as possible if someone suspects exposure to a rabid animal.”
To protect yourself against rabies:
- avoid contact with wild animals;
- make sure pets are vaccinated against rabies and supervised when outdoors; and
- inform the police or a local animal control service if you suspect an animal has rabies.
For more information about rabies, visit wdgpublichealth.ca/rabies.
