Rabid bat found in Burlington, Ont., health officials say

Rabid bat found in Burlington, Ont., health officials say

If you're bitten, scratched or exposed to bat saliva, wash and seek medical attention: public health

Health officials found a bat with rabies in Burlington, Ont., marking the first such confirmed case in the region this year, Halton Region Public Health said Friday.

Bats in Hamilton and Haldimand-Norfolk tested positive for rabies in June, also prompting warnings from local health units.

Rabies is a viral disease spread through the saliva of affected animals, Halton public health said in a news release.

It can be fatal if untreated, but in humans, the disease can be prevented with a rabies vaccine, "which is extremely effective, but only if it is administered before symptoms occur," it said.

Bats in Haldimand-Norfolk, Hamilton test positive for rabies, public health says

"Although rabies in bats is rare, bites from rabid bats have caused almost all human cases of rabies in Canada," public health said, noting that because the mammals have small, needle-like teeth, their bites can 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," it added.

Public health said to report any bats you find in your home to local animal control services. You can report animals you suspect have rabies to the province.

Justin Chandler is a CBC News reporter in Hamilton. He covers stories of all kinds from places including picket lines, court rooms, council meetings and research labs. Justin has a special interest in how public policy affects people, and loves a quirky human-interest story. Before CBC Hamilton, he worked for TVO and on a variety of CBC teams and programs. He co-hosted Radio Free Krypton on Met Radio.