Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Brantford-Brant Area, Confirms Grand Erie Public Health

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) confirmed that a bat in the Brantford-Brant area tested positive for rabies.

The exposed individual is receiving post-exposure rabies prophylaxis, including vaccinations and immune globulin treatment.

Although the risk of rabies transmission in Ontario is low, health officials stress the importance of precautions around wild animals.

Rabies is usually spread through bites or scratches and can be fatal if untreated before symptoms appear.

Wild animals like bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons are carriers of the virus.

Residents are reminded to report any animal bites or scratches to the health unit immediately.

They are also advised to avoid approaching or feeding unknown or wild animals, ensure pets and livestock have up-to-date rabies vaccinations, and refrain from touching or removing bats from homes.

If a bat is found indoors, call animal services at 311 instead of handling it.

Rabies in humans is preventable with early intervention, but once symptoms show, the disease is nearly always fatal.

The virus causes brain and spinal cord inflammation, with symptoms in animals like aggressive behavior, frothing at the mouth, and unprovoked biting.

Grand Erie Public Health is investigating all reported animal bites or scratches to ensure community safety.

Anyone bitten or scratched should wash the area with soap and water, seek medical help, and report the incident by calling 519-753-4937 ext. 470.

According to the source: NorfolkToday.ca.