Latest news with #animalbite
CBC
5 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.
BBC News
24-07-2025
- BBC News
Dog attack at Leicester flat leaves two injured
A man has been taken to hospital following a dog attack in said they were called to a flat in Aikman Avenue on Wednesday evening following reports of someone being bitten by an Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene and treated a man and a woman, both in their 40s, though their injuries were not believed to be serious. The dog has been seized from the address while an investigation is carried out, officers said. No more details of the breed of dog involved have been cordon was lifted later the same evening.
CBC
15-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Bat tests positive for rabies in Chatham-Kent, prompting warning from health unit
Public Health officials in Chatham-Kent are warning people to avoid wild, aggressive or stray animals after a bat tested positive for rabies. They are also urging people to take other measures to protect themselves, their families and their pets. "Rabies remains nearly 100 per cent fatal once clinical symptoms develop, and without immediate medical intervention following an exposure, the outcome is almost always tragic," said Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, acting medical officer of health for Chatham-Kent, in a news release. "That's why prompt reporting of any bite or scratch and timely post-exposure treatment is extremely important." Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most often via bites or scratches. It's common for bats to be infected with rabies, so the positive test in Chatham-Kent is "concerning but not unexpected," CK Public Health said in the release. Other animals that can spread rabies include raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, dogs and cats. Human rabies cases in Canada are rare, but any exposure to a rabid animal carries a serious risk, the health unit said. It urged people to take the following steps to protect themselves and their loved ones and pets. Ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies and keep their records up to date. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a rabid animal, contact your veterinarian immediately. Supervise pets outdoors—keep them on a leash or within a securely fenced area. Stay away from wild, stray or aggressive animals. Do not touch, feed or move young, sick or injured wildlife. Never keep wild animals as pets; they can harbour diseases harmful to humans and domestic animals. Report stray animals to local animal control services. If you find bats or other wild animals inside your home, contact a licensed pest control company to safely remove them and seal any entry points. Officials advise anyone that has had contact with a bat or has been bitten or scratched by an animal to seek medical attention immediately report the exposure promptly to CK Public Health.
CTV News
10-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Person treated for rabies after bat encounter in Woodstock
A person in Woodstock is being treated after being exposed to a bat with rabies. According to Southwest Public Health, a person in Woodstock was exposed to the bat that tested positive, and is now being treated to prevent them from contracting the virus. 'If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, the first step is to wash the wound right away with soap and water. The second step is to seek medical attention. The third step is to report all animal bites to your local public health unit so that we can investigate and assess the risk of rabies transmission,' said Kitty Chan, program manager for environmental health. Rabies is a viral disease that is spread through the saliva of animals. It affects an animal's brain and eventually leads to death. Humans exposed to the virus, usually through a bite or scratch from an infected animal, require treatment to avoid death. Public health coordinates treatment with post-exposure prophylaxis for everyone bitten by or exposed to a rabid animals. Tips to protect against rabies
Globe and Mail
30-06-2025
- Globe and Mail
Coyote bites 12-year-old boy north of Toronto, police say
Police north of Toronto are urging caution after a coyote bit a child in the community of Nobleton on Sunday. York Regional Police say officers were called to the area of Highway 27 and King Road just after noon for an animal complaint. Police say a 12-year-old boy was bitten by a coyote. They say the child was taken to hospital with minor leg injuries. Police say there have been frequent sightings of coyotes in the area and people should use caution. They say Toronto Wildlife and Vaughan Animal Services have been notified.
