A bat from Burlington has examined optimistic for rabies.
The regional public well being authority mentioned it was capable of affirm the presence of the viral illness within the bat on Tuesday.
In accordance with officers, the bat was pulled from Burlington’s Central neighbourhood.
“Although rabies in bats is rare, bites from rabid bats have caused almost all human cases of rabies in Canada,” the area mentioned in a launch on Wednesday.
Public well being mentioned that is the primary optimistic case of rabies it’s found in a bat this 12 months.
The virus is unfold by means of the saliva of an contaminated animal equivalent to raccoons, skunks, canine, cats, foxes and bats.
“If you have been bitten, scratched or exposed to bat saliva, wash any wounds thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately,” the well being authority mentioned, including that anybody who discovers a bat of their house shouldn’t try to take away it themselves.
“Contact your local Animal Control Services. To report a wild animal that you suspect may have rabies, follow the steps on ontario.ca/rabies.”
Alternatively, residents can report any situations of animal bites or scratches on to Halton Area Public Well being by calling 311.
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