Bat in South Huron tests positive for rabies

Huron Perth, ON – A bat in South Huron has tested positive for the rabies virus. This is the second bat to test positive in Huron Perth this year. Huron Perth Public Health has followed up with persons involved to prevent rabies infection. 

Overall, two to three per cent of Ontario's bat population is infected with the rabies virus. Humans exposed to the virus – usually through a bite or scratch from an infected animal - require medical treatment to avoid death.  

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) reminds residents and visitors to never interact with bats, wild animals or unknown domestic animals.  

To prevent human cases of rabies, HPPH investigates all human-animal exposures. Exposures include bites and scratches, or infectious material (such as saliva) from animals getting into a person’s eyes, nose, or an open wound. In addition, where a child or individual cannot communicate that a bat may have landed on them, then a bat flying in their room may also be an exposure. Call HPPH for assistance with assessing the incident. 

If an exposure or suspected exposure has occurred, then safely confine the bat if possible. Use thick gloves as it is very important to not touch or handle a bat with your bare hands.  See www.hpph.ca/rabies for more information. HPPH will arrange for the animal to be tested for rabies. 

“If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, or if infectious material (such as saliva) from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, or an open wound, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately,” says Patrick Landry, Public Health Inspector.  

If you find a bat in your home and are certain that there was no human contact, try to confine that bat to one room, turn on the lights and open a window so the bat can fly out. 

Bat-proof your home or cottage: 

Bats remain active until cooler weather arrives. They generally begin to hibernate around November. 

Protect yourself and others from rabies: