London, ON – The return of wintry weather, cold temperatures and the recent report of a bat which tested positive for rabies, have prompted the Middlesex-London Health Unit to increase awareness about what people should do when they encounter a bat. With bats seeking places to hibernate, there is the potential for residents to come into contact with the animals, which could create the risk of contracting rabies. Rabies is a serious disease caused by a virus; which when left untreated, is fatal to humans.
Anyone who has come into direct contact with a bat, or who has been bitten or scratched by a bat is considered to be at risk for rabies. They would also be considered at risk if it cannot be determined whether or not bat saliva has come into contact with broken skin or the moist tissues of the mouth, nose or eyes. Anyone who is either bitten by a bat or comes into contact with bat saliva should wash the area thoroughly and seek medical advice immediately. These bat exposures need to be taken seriously because bats have sharp needle-like teeth, which may cause a relatively painless bite that leaves no obvious marks.
Proximity to a bat (or bats) which is flying nearby, or seeing a bat in the home or an attic, finding bat guano (feces), blood, or urine or coming into contact with objects a bat may have touched are not considered to be exposures and therefore medical follow-up is not necessary.
When no direct contact has occurred, the bat should be let out of the house safely by closing off the area where the bat is located and opening doors and/or windows to allow the bat to fly out.
If direct contact has occurred, a trained wildlife worker should be contacted to attempt to capture the bat for testing. Anyone who captures a bat is asked to contact the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 519-663-5317, ext. 8531, or after hours at 519-672-5900. The Health Unit will make arrangements to have the bat tested for rabies. If the bat is found to be rabid or the bat is not available for testing, those exposed will be advised about next steps and appropriate follow-up by the Health Unit.
Unvaccinated pets are also at risk for rabies if they come in contact with an infected bat. Please remember to keep your pet’s rabies vaccination up-to-date.
Media Contact:
Trudy Sweetzir, Communications Assistant, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317, ext. 2448
Spokesperson:
Betsy Kerr, Rabies Coordinator, Environmental Health Team