An individual in Sables-Spanish Rivers Township required treatment for a bat, which tested positive for rabies.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Penny Sutcliffe says the person requires rabies prophylaxis and vaccine series.
She says the incident occurred a week ago Monday.
Dr. Sutcliffe stresses anyone seeing a bat, should not touch it, more so since rabid bats can be quite aggressive.
Report it to the health unit and if bitten, contact your health provider immediately.
Rabid bats are rarely aggressive. A bat may be rabid if it is active by day, if it is found in a place where bats are not usually seen, or if it is unable to fly. These bats are often easily approached, but should never be touched.
A bat has sharp, needle-like teeth that may cause a relatively painless, unnoticeable bite. If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, or if saliva from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and consult a health care provider.
“We strongly encourage anyone who is bitten or scratched by animals to consult a health care provider and to report the incident to Public Health as soon as possible,” says Dr. Penny Sutcliffe.
The best way to prevent coming in contact with bats is to keep them out of your home or cottage by covering all outside points of entry.
The best time for bat-proofing is in the fall when most bats have left to hibernate.
Bat-proofing involves:
Filling holes in the building’s exterior—even those as small as one-quarter to half an inch in diameter. For example, filling plumbing fixture holes with caulk or steel wool.
Tightening screens, capping the chimney, and placing draft guards under doors leading to the attic and outside.
Watching where the bats exit at dusk and then permanently sealing the openings.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts is also reminding cat and dog owners of the requirement to keep their pet’s rabies vaccinations up to date.
For more information on bats and rabies, please call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464, toll-free 1.866.522.9200, or visit our website at phsd.ca. For help with bat-proofing, contact a pest management company.