3 days ago
Bat in Centre Wellington tests positive for rabies, one person taking precautionary treatment
A big brown bat is seen in this file photo. (Getty Images)
One person is receiving treatment after a bat in Centre Wellington tested positive for rabies.
According to a news release from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, the bat test positive for the potentially deadly virus on Tuesday. It is the first confirmed case of a rabid bad in the health unit's jurisdiction this year.
'An individual has begun a precautionary treatment protocol for potential exposure,' the release stated.
Rabies is spread through contact with the salvia of infected animals, most commonly through bites, scratches, open wounds or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose or mouth.
'Although rabies is rare, it can be fatal when left untreated,' Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health's Associate Medical Officer of Health, said in the release. '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.'
Early symptoms of rabies include fever, tiredness, headaches, anxiety and irritability. As symptoms worsen, infected people may experience seizures, confusion, hyperactivity, hallucinations, a fear of water and a fear of fresh air or drafts.
Treatment involves multiple injections of rabies post-exposure vaccine before symptoms begin.
The latest confirmed case of a rabid bat comes after Huron Perth Public Health confirmed an animal in South Huron had tested positive for the virus and Grand Erie Public Health announced two cases of rabies in bats found in Brantford-Brant County.
A child in the Grand Erie Public Health area also died last year after they encountered a rabid bat in the Timiskaming region.
