Centre Wellington sees 1st confirmed case of rabies in a bat this year
A bat in Centre Wellington has tested positive for rabies in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph's first confirmed case of the year.
In a release sent out Wednesday, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) said the animal tested positive for the virus on Tuesday.
A person has begun "precautionary treatment for potential exposure," the release said.
"Although rabies is rare, it can be fatal when left untreated," said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, WDGPH's associate 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," he said.
Tenenbaum couldn't comment directly about the person who was exposed, but he said when someone comes into contact with a bat and public health is contacted, an investigation is launched.
"We find out exactly what this scenario was," he explained. "For example, was there direct contact with the bat? Was it a scenario where someone saw a bat outdoors, saw a bat indoors? We know oftentimes bats can fly into homes and be found in attics or found in bedrooms. So we gather information about this scenario and then we conduct a risk assessment."
Depending on the results of the assessment, Tenenbaum says they will often recommend treatment.
More bat-related investigations this year
The number of investigations public health conducted last year related to bats was 47. So far for this year, that number is up to 61 bat-related investigations.
"It wouldn't surprise me if more bats are tested [this year]. It's quite possible others could come back positive," Tenenbaum said.
Tenenbaum attributes the rise in numbers partly with the heat the region has been experiencing this summer.
"As people are at home trying to open their windows to get ventilation in, that provides opportunities for bats to enter homes. We know that the warmer weather also can prompt bats to seek cooler indoor spaces, which increases likelihood they'll come in contact with people," he said, adding he hopes the rise in calls also has to do with an increase in awareness about the issue.
What you can do
People can take precautions to avoid their pets or themselves being bitten, including:
Don't touch sick or injured animals.
Don't approach or touch wild or unfamiliar animals even if they seem friendly.
Don't feed wild or stray animals.
Keep bats out of your home.
Assume any bat you see has rabies.
Tell children to stay away from bats and tell them to tell you if they've had contact with a bat.
Keep pets away from wild animals or other unfamiliar pets.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal or have any contact with a bat:
If it's a pet, get the owner's contact information so public health can follow up with them.
Immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
People should also report bites and scratches with a bat to public health.
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