Grand Erie Public Health reminds residents to avoid contact with bats and other wild animals after rabies-positive bat identified

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has confirmed a rabies-positive bat in the Haldimand-Norfolk region. The individuals exposed to the bat are being treated by the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital in Dunnville. GEPH wants to remind residents to stay away from wild animals, especially if they appear tame, injured, or sick.

Rabies is transmitted from bats the same way as other animals from rabies infected saliva that enters the body through a break in the skin or contact with a mucus membrane. If there is no direct contact with a bat, there is no risk of rabies. 

The following protective measures can be taken to protect people and their pets from rabies:

• Ensure pets and livestock are up to date with their rabies vaccinations;
• Stay away from wild animals that are acting strangely, are injured, or are sick;
• Wildlife-proof your home and yard; bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons are the most common animals to have rabies in Canada.

Rabies illness in humans can be prevented by receiving post-exposure rabies prophylaxis, which is highly effective, but only if it is administered before symptoms begin. 

GEPH investigates all animal bites or scratches on humans reported to public health. If you or a member of your family is bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal:

• Wash the bite or scratch site with soap and water;
• Tell an adult (if under age 18);
• Seek medical attention immediately;

Report it to GEPH at 519-753-4937 (Brantford-Brant) or 519-900-9600 (Haldimand-Norfolk). 

For more information about rabies, please visit www.bchu.org/rabies or www.hnhu.org/rabies.