Latest news with #WellingtonDufferinGuelph
CBC
3 days ago
- Health
- CBC
Centre Wellington sees 1st confirmed case of rabies in a bat this year
Social Sharing 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.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
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.
CTV News
27-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Pace of new measles infections slows in Waterloo Region and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph
The number of new reported measles infections has dropped in Waterloo Region and neighbouring municipalities this week. According to a report from Public Health Ontario, no new cases were identified with the Region of Waterloo Public Health area. According to the Region of Waterloo's website, there are also no current potential public exposure locations. Meanwhile, only one new case was reported within Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health's jurisdiction. Southwestern Public Health and Grand Erie Public Health have reported the highest number of cases since the outbreak began in southwestern Ontario in October 2024. This week, Public Health Ontario is reporting one new case from Southwestern Public Health and three new cases from Grand Erie Public Health. Although the latest data is a positive sign, health experts still urge everyone to get a vaccine to protect them from measles, which is a highly contagious illness that can have serious consequences, including brain swelling and death. What to know about measles Measles is a highly contagious virus. The disease can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Even brief exposure to measles can result in illness. Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, small white spots inside the mouth and a red blotchy rash. Other signs of measles include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. In severe cases, measles can cause brain inflammation and death. It usually takes between seven and 21 days for symptoms to show up. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles is asked to stay at home and avoid contact with others. If medical treatment is needed, people are urged to contact their health provider ahead of time to prevent the illness from spreading to other patients.
CTV News
06-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Measles exposure at Guelph pharmacy
The Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health building seen in this file photo. (Dan Lauckner / CTV Kitchener) A new potential measles exposure site has been identified in Guelph. In a news release on Tuesday, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health encouraged anyone who visited the Guelph Medical Place Pharmacy at 83 Dawson Road on May 1 between 1 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. to monitor for symptoms. Measles is considered to be highly contagious, and even brief exposure can be enough to contract the illness. The disease can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Measles symptoms typically begin seven to 21 days after exposure and may include a fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, small white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat and a red blotchy rash. Other complications can include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. In severe cases, measles can lead to brain inflammation and death. Anyone who suspects they may have measles is encouraged to stay home and avoid contact with others. If seeking medical treatment, call your health provider ahead of time so they can take steps to prevent the virus from spreading to others.
