Bat tests positive for rabies in Mississauga, prompting reminder not to touch wild animals
Peel Public Health confirmed the case near Derry Road and McLaughlin Road, the agency said in a news release Monday.
Rabies is a viral infectious disease, which affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, whether through a bite, scratch or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose or mouth.
Peel Public Health is reminding residents to avoid touching, approaching or feeding unknown or wild animals, even if they look healthy. Residents should also ensure pets and livestock are up to date with their rabies vaccines.
If you find a bat in your home, the agency recommends calling Animal Services.
Anyone bitten or scratched by a wild or unknown animal should speak to a healthcare provider immediately, the news release says. Prompt medical care, rabies vaccination and an antibodies injection can prevent the virus if given prior to the development of symptoms.
While the risk of contracting rabies from an infected animal is low in Ontario, Peel Public Health says symptomatic rabies infections in humans are commonly fatal.
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