A bat submitted for testing by the Huron County Health Unit was found to carry the rabies virus. The Huron County Health Unit reminds residents to avoid bat exposures.
This is the first bat to have tested positive for rabies in Huron County since 2014. Overall, 1-3% of Ontario’s bat population is infected with rabies (source: Public Health Agency of Canada:http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/09vol35/acs-dcc-7/index-eng.php). Rabies is a viral disease that is fatal to humans.
“If you are bitten or scratched by a bat or if infectious material (such as saliva) from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, or a wound, wash the affected area thoroughly and seek medical attention immediately,” says Public Health Inspector Patrick Landry. “If you awaken and find a bat in your room or in the room of an unattended child or an incapacitated person, call the Health Unit.”
When there has been a bite, scratch, or exposure to infectious material, and the bat is available, the Huron County Health Unit can arrange for rabies testing. Do not touch a bat with your bare hands.
If you find a bat in your home and are certain that there was no human or animal contact, try to confine that bat to one room, turn on the lights and open a window so the bat can fly out.
Bats remain active until cooler weather arrives, generally beginning to hibernate around November.
Residents with questions or concerns should call the Huron County Health Unit at
519.482.3416 or 1.877.837.6143.