Bat with rabies found in downtown Burlington neighbourhood

The first bat in Halton Region confirmed to test positive for rabies was found yesterday (July 23) in the Central neighbourhood of Burlington.

According to Halton Region Public Health Department, rabies is a viral disease that causes severe damage to the brain and spinal cord and, if untreated before symptoms appear, can lead to death.

The virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal such as a raccoon, skunk, bat, dog, fox, or other wild animal, usually through a bite or scratch.

Rabies illness in humans can be prevented with a rabies vaccine, which is extremely effective, but only if it is administered before symptoms occur.

Although rabies in bats is rare, bites from rabid bats have caused almost all human cases of rabies in Canada. Bats have small, needle-like teeth, and their bites easily go undetected.

If you have been bitten, scratched or exposed to bat saliva, wash any wounds thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. If your healthcare provider recommends that you receive the rabies vaccine, make sure to stick with the schedule, and not miss any doses or take them on the wrong day.

It is not always possible to identify if a bat has rabies. However rabid bats may move slowly, lose the ability to fly, remain active during daylight hours or be unresponsive to loud noises.

If you find a bat in your home do not attempt to move it. Contact your local Animal Control Services.

To report a wild animal that you suspect may have rabies, follow these steps.