A bat located in Aylmer has tested positive for rabies.
Southwestern Public Health advised on Thursday that an individual exposed to the bat is receiving treatment to prevent contracting the virus.
The health unit cautions that humans exposed to the virus – usually through a bite or scratch from an infected animal – require treatment.
“If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, the first step is to wash the wound right away with soap and water,” says Kitty Chan, Program Manager, Infectious Diseases.
“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,”
And a positive rabies test result should be a reminder to all community members that rabies was present in the region, and everyone should know what to do if bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal.
Know how to prevent rabies for you and your loved ones:
- Always watch wildlife from a distance
- Avoid touching, petting, or handling unknown animals (including dogs and cats)
- Teach children to stay away from wild animals and strange dogs or cats, and to tell an adult when they have been bitten or scratched by an unknown animal.
- Vaccinate your pets against the rabies virus
- Keep pets indoors at night
- Do not attempt to feed wildlife
- Do not touch or approach sick animals, or animals acting strangely or aggressively
- Be familiar with signs of rabies in your pets and wild animals
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals. Observing a bat does not cause rabies; if you see a bat in your home, avoid handling it and call a local wildlife rescue for support.
Southwestern Public Health adds you can learn more about rabies on our website.
