A bat in Burlington, Ont., has examined constructive for rabies, warns the native public well being authority.
It was present in a central neighbourhood and is the primary confirmed case of rabies detected in a bat in the Halton Area this 12 months, stated public well being in a information launch Wednesday.
A viral illness, rabies could cause extreme harm to the mind and spinal wire, says Halton public well being. If left untreated earlier than signs seem, it may result in dying.
The virus is unfold by means of saliva of contaminated animals, often by means of a chew or scratch.
Whereas different wild animals resembling raccoons, skunks, foxes and canines can turn into contaminated, rabid bats have induced virtually all human circumstances of rabies in Canada, public well being says.
“Bats have small, needle-like tooth, and their bites simply go undetected,” says public well being’s information launch.
When you’ve got been bitten, scratched or uncovered to bat saliva, public well being recommends you wash any wounds totally with cleaning soap and water and search medical consideration instantly.
Folks can keep away from rabies by getting the vaccine, nevertheless it is solely efficient if it is administered earlier than signs seem.
Rabid bats could transfer slowly, lose the flexibility to fly, not reply to loud sounds or stay lively in the course of the day.
Residents who discover bats of their house are requested to name Animal Management Companies.
