A bat in Centre Wellington tested positive for rabies on August 12, marking the first confirmed case of a rabid bat in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph this year. An individual has begun a precautionary treatment protocol for potential exposure.
Rabies is a virus that affects mammals and is spread by the saliva of infected animals most commonly through bites, but also through scratches, open wounds or mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes. In Ontario, the animals most commonly testing positive for rabies are bats, skunks, raccoons, coyotes and foxes. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop, so treatment must be given as soon as possible if someone suspects exposure to a rabid animal.
“Although rabies is rare, it can be fatal when left untreated,” said Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public 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.”
To protect yourself against rabies:
- Avoid contact with wild animals.
- Make sure pets are vaccinated against rabies and supervised when outdoors.
- Inform the police or a local animal control service if you suspect an animal has rabies.
For more information about rabies, visit wdgpublichealth.ca/rabies.
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