Latest news with #GEPH
CBC
17 hours ago
- Health
- CBC
Brantford, Ont., daycare closes temporarily after child finds rabid bat, hands it to worker
Social Sharing A daycare in Brantford, Ont., is closed for a public health inspection after a bat found at the centre tested positive for rabies. Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) said Friday that it confirmed a bat discovered Monday at Creative Minds Daycare tested positive on Wednesday for the virus, prompting concern from parents. The daycare told CBC Hamilton a child found the bat and handed it to a worker during morning playtime. Public health said the daycare, which is near Wade Street and Brunswick Avenue in West Brant, will remain closed until the public health department has finished investigating and confirms no more bats are present. The daycare cares for around 145 children and employs around 30 people, it told CBC. "Parents and caregivers were promptly informed," public health said in a news release, adding it contacted "all individuals who had direct contact with the bat" and advised them to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which is special treatment to prevent rabies infection. In a message to parents that was viewed by CBC Hamilton, the daycare said at least one child and one employee had come in contact with the bat Monday. It also said one other bat was seen alive in the facility on Tuesday, and workers captured and released it. Kim Stewart, a parent, told CBC Hamilton she has since withdrawn her four-year-old from the daycare and is "not impressed" with how Creative Minds handled the situation. Parent worried there may have been more bats Stewart said Creative Minds informed parents and guardians about the two bats found at the daycare this week, but that communications have been unclear. She also said a daycare staff person told her at least two more bats were found at the facility in June, but that was not communicated formally by the daycare. "Luckily no one has been injured," Stewart said. "It could have been very bad." CBC Hamilton also spoke to another parent who shared Stewart's concerns. "While the risk of rabies in our region remains low, rabies is a serious illness that is fatal if untreated, but preventable with prompt medical attention," the region's acting medical officer of health, Jason Malenfant, said in a news release Friday. "This is why we take every potential exposure seriously, act promptly to identify and follow up with anyone who may be at risk and remind everyone to avoid handling or coming into contact with wild animals." Importance of early treatment against rabies Public health said rabies can be fatal if not treated before symptoms begin, and noted the virus can be transmitted through a bite wound, open cut or mucous membrane, such as the eyes or mouth, from the saliva or mucous of an infected animal. Last year, a Brantford-area child died from rabies in the first domestically acquired case of human rabies in Ontario since 1967. The child had come into contact with a bat, the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit confirmed. Daycare owner Vicki McNabb spoke to CBC Hamilton alongside Laura Bailey, whose daughter goes to Creative Minds. Bailey is also helping McNabb communicate with the media. Since 2016, Bailey said, Creative Minds has operated out of an old public school building. She said the daycare is looking into whether a roof replacement in March led to bats getting in. Most parents supported daycare's response, owner says Bailey said the child picked up the dead bat on Monday and gave it to the worker, who promptly disposed of it and cleaned the child and the area. Creative Minds contacted the parents of the child immediately, she said, but did not inform the wider daycare community of exactly what had happened until Thursday. "I want to make sure I have all the proper information" before sharing it with families, McNabb said. Bailey said Creative Minds took all the right steps knowing what they knew at the time and said she thinks "99.9 per cent of parents" supported how they responded. "Could it have happened faster? Yes," Bailey said. But McNabb and her team are experts in child care, "not crisis communications," and "we don't want to make 145 families panic until we have all the right information." Stewart said she took her son to get a rabies shot at Brantford General Hospital on Thursday and saw a number of other children from the daycare, as well as people who work there. Alena Lukich, spokesperson for Brant Community Healthcare System, said the team administered 10 rabies vaccinations at the hospital on Thursday. Stewart said she remains concerned that communication from the daycare throughout the week has given parents partial information — for instance, she learned from a worker and not the daycare that a child and worker had touched the rabid bat. She also heard from her son earlier that there was at least another bat, but that wasn't confirmed. Stewart also received photos and video from staff showing a bat flying in the daycare, two others in a bucket and fruit that was eaten by what she suspects were bats. "Why do we have to piece it together like investigators?" asked Stewart. Bailey said the videos and images were recorded by workers to document incidents and that they have been shared without context. She said the bats in the bucket were found outside the daycare in June, and that a worker found them before kids came up and released them off the site. She said the video of the flying bat and the image of the bat in the container were taken Tuesday when the live bat was captured inside. Creative Minds only knows of two bats coming inside, she said. Promise to keep parents informed Bailey said bats in this part of the world typically eat insects and that the food was likely eaten by mice, which have been dealt with. She said workers found and disposed of the food when they inspected it before preparing meals in the facility's kitchen. McNabb and Bailey said Creative Minds closed proactively and the wildlife control company they're working with has completed most of the work to ensure any bats that exit the building can't get back in. They hope to open once public health gives them the all-clear. Going forward, Creative Minds will keep families in the loop about what's happening, McNabb told CBC Hamilton. She said she's accountable for everything that happens at the daycare and focused on moving forward. "Things happen, and then we look at those things and we fix those things," she said. How public health investigated Public health spokesperson Lindsay English told CBC Hamilton the health unit's investigation involved interviewing staff, reviewing what happened, and communicating with caregivers and health-care providers to determine who had potential exposure that warranted medical treatment. On Aug. 8, the health unit reported another bat in the region tested positive for rabies. In its Friday news release, it said animals including foxes, raccoons, skunks and bats can carry and spread rabies, and even bites or scratches too small to see can transmit it. It recommends people bitten or scratched by animals seek medical attention immediately and report to public health.
CTV News
a day ago
- Health
- CTV News
Bat found in Brantford daycare tests positive for rabies: GEPH
A bat found at Creative Minds Daycare in Brantford tested positive for rabies, according to Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH). GEPH received results Aug. 13 and said that parents and caregivers have been promptly informed through a letter sent home. The letter was said to include information on post-exposure precautions. The health unit said it continues to work closely with the daycare. 'All individuals who had direct contact with the bat have been identified and contacted by public health and have been advised to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent rabies infection,' the health unit said, in a news release. While the GEPH investigation is underway, Creative Minds Daycare will remain closed until the facility has been fully inspected and it is confirmed that no additional bats are present. The health unit said that is being done out of an abundance of caution. The daycare will reopen when the investigation is complete and the site is deemed safe for regular operations. Rabies is transmitted when the virus enters a bite wound, open cut, or mucous membrane (such as the eyes or mouth) from the saliva or mucus of an infected animal. Wild animals such as foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats can carry and spread rabies. Even small bites or scratches—sometimes too small to see—can transmit the virus. 'While the risk of rabies in our region remains low, rabies is a serious illness that is fatal if untreated, but preventable with prompt medical attention,' said Dr. Jason Malenfant, acting medical officer of health. 'This is why we take every potential exposure seriously, act promptly to identify and follow up with anyone who may be at risk and remind everyone to avoid handling or coming into contact with wild animals.' Earlier this month, GEPH said a second bat tested positive for the virus in Brantford-Brant. While no details were shared about where it was located, public health said the animal had no confirmed contact with humans. Tips to reduce rabies risk: Avoid touching, approaching, or feeding wild or unknown animals, even if they appear healthy. Ensure pets and livestock are up to date on rabies vaccinations. If you find a bat in your home, call Hillside Kennels Animal Control at 519-469-3247 or 888-469-3247. Do not attempt to remove it yourself. Stay away from animals that appear sick, injured, or are acting unusually. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal: Wash the wound immediately with soap and water. If under 18, tell an adult right away. Seek medical attention immediately. Report the incident to GEPH at 519-753-4937 ext. 470. Rabies can be prevented with prompt PEP, which is highly effective when administered before symptoms appear.
Hamilton Spectator
25-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
A new tick-borne disease is here. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be fatal. Here's what you need to know.
The Grand Erie Public Health unit wants people to know the signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever after several dogs in the area tested positive. All the dogs had been to the Long Point area, a popular vacation spot on Lake Erie. People can also get the bacterial illness if bitten by a tick carrying it. Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) has been uncommon in Ontario, but the new medical officer of health for Grand Erie encountered it when he was working in the central Appalachia region of the United States. 'I've seen cases of this, and treated patients for this. It is a very serious illness,' Dr. Jason Malenfant told The Spectator on Thursday. While it can be cured with antibiotics, the illness can be fatal in both dogs and humans if it's not recognized and treated early. Symptoms in dogs include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and joint and abdominal pain. In humans, symptoms — like muscle pain, headache, chills, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea — often start two to 14 days after a tick bite. A rash, beginning on the wrists and ankles and spreading across the body, usually starts a few days after the fever, according to a fact sheet from the former Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit. Spreading awareness is a 'top priority' because the illness wouldn't typically be on the radar of local doctors and veterinarians, Malenfant said. To reduce the risk of RMSF, the health unit recommends avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, using insect repellents with DEET (and tick-prevention products on pets), and checking for ticks when coming in from outdoors. If you've removed a tick from yourself or a family member, the health unit suggests submitting a photo to . 'This is a helpful first step' in identifying the species and 'assessing potential risk for any tick-borne diseases,' a spokesperson for the health unit said. GEPH is 'continuing to monitor tick populations and tick-borne disease trends at the community level,' and encourages people to talk to their health-care provider if they are concerned about possible exposure, he said. Last year, Brant, Norfolk County and Hamilton were identified as 'risk areas' for Lyme disease, another tick-spread infection, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. So far, 21 cases of Lyme disease have been reported this year for GEPH, and 34 cases in Hamilton, according to Public Health Ontario data. For more information, visit or . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
25-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Grand Erie health officials warn of new tick-borne disease in area
The Grand Erie Public Health unit wants people to know the signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever after several dogs in the area tested positive. All the dogs had been to the Long Point area, a popular vacation spot on Lake Erie. People can also get the bacterial illness if bitten by a tick carrying it. Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) has been uncommon in Ontario, but the new medical officer of health for Grand Erie encountered it when he was working in the central Appalachia region of the United States. 'I've seen cases of this, and treated patients for this. It is a very serious illness,' Dr. Jason Malenfant told The Spectator on Thursday. While it can be cured with antibiotics, the illness can be fatal in both dogs and humans if it's not recognized and treated early. Symptoms in dogs include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and joint and abdominal pain. In humans, symptoms — like muscle pain, headache, chills, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea — often start two to 14 days after a tick bite. A rash, beginning on the wrists and ankles and spreading across the body, usually starts a few days after the fever, according to a fact sheet from the former Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit. Spreading awareness is a 'top priority' because the illness wouldn't typically be on the radar of local doctors and veterinarians, Malenfant said. To reduce the risk of RMSF, the health unit recommends avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, using insect repellents with DEET (and tick-prevention products on pets), and checking for ticks when coming in from outdoors. If you've removed a tick from yourself or a family member, the health unit suggests submitting a photo to . 'This is a helpful first step' in identifying the species and 'assessing potential risk for any tick-borne diseases,' a spokesperson for the health unit said. GEPH is 'continuing to monitor tick populations and tick-borne disease trends at the community level,' and encourages people to talk to their health-care provider if they are concerned about possible exposure, he said. Last year, Brant, Norfolk County and Hamilton were identified as 'risk areas' for Lyme disease, another tick-spread infection, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. So far, 21 cases of Lyme disease have been reported this year for GEPH, and 34 cases in Hamilton, according to Public Health Ontario data. For more information, visit or . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
13-06-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Second potential measles exposure at Brantford labour and delivery ward
A local health unit is warning of another potential measles exposure in a labour and delivery ward. People may have been exposed to the airborne virus at Brantford General Hospital on June 3 between 7:30 and 11:06 p.m., Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) said in a Friday media release. The warning follows an earlier potential exposure in the same unit on May 26. 'If you were present at the above location at the identified time or you have been exposed to measles elsewhere in the community, please complete our measles exposure form at ,' the release said. The form walks people through a risk assessment and gives guidance on next steps. 'Generally speaking,' if someone is vaccinated and delivering at term, the risk of their baby getting measles after being born 'is quite low because mom's antibodies cross the placenta throughout pregnancy,' Dr. Sarah Khan told The Spectator earlier in the week. The hospital has implemented 'a range of protective and preventive measures' to keep people safe when visiting the hospital, a spokesperson told The Spectator earlier in the week. The GEPH area — which includes Brantford and Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties — had reached 283 local cases as of June 10, according to Public Health Ontario. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
