Bat tests positive for rabies in Chatham-Kent, prompting warning from health unit

Public Health officials in Chatham-Kent are warning people to avoid wild, aggressive or stray animals after a bat tested positive for rabies.

They are also urging people to take other measures to protect themselves, their families and their pets.

"Rabies remains nearly 100 per cent fatal once clinical symptoms develop, and without immediate medical intervention following an exposure, the outcome is almost always tragic," said Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, acting medical officer of health for Chatham-Kent, in a news release.

"That's why prompt reporting of any bite or scratch and timely post-exposure treatment is extremely important."

Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most often via bites or scratches.

It's common for bats to be infected with rabies, so the positive test in Chatham-Kent is "concerning but not unexpected," CK Public Health said in the release.

Other animals that can spread rabies include raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, dogs and cats. 

Human rabies cases in Canada are rare, but any exposure to a rabid animal carries a serious risk, the health unit said.

It urged people to take the following steps to protect themselves and their loved ones and pets.

Officials advise anyone that has had contact with a bat or has been bitten or scratched by an animal to seek medical attention immediately report the exposure promptly to CK Public Health.