Oakville residents are being warned after a bat found in the Honeyvale Road and Swansea Drive area last week tested positive for rabies.

The Halton Region Health Department confirmed the positive test result in a release, advising anyone who may have had contact with a bat in the area to seek help immediately.

“The Health Department is reminding residents to avoid all contact with bats and other wild animals,” said the region’s director of communicable disease, Matt Ruf.

“Anyone who comes in physical contact with a bat or other wild animal should see a physician immediately and contact the Health Department.”

Rabies is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. It can cause severe damage to the brain and spinal cord, with potentially fatal results.

In humans, speedy treatment is crucial if you suspect you may have been infected.

A rabies vaccine can prevent illness, but only if it’s administered before symptoms occur.

What do I do if I have come into contact with a bat, or find a bat indoors? (Courtesy: Halton Region Health Department)

• Seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten, scratched, or exposed to bat saliva.
• If you find a bat in a room with a child or adult unable to give a reliable history of the encounter, assume direct contact has been made.
• Notify the Halton Region Health Department by dialing 311 as soon as possible following any incident of possible exposure, even if you do not believe there was a bite or scratch.
• Burlington: Burlington Animal Shelter 905-335-3030
• Halton Hills: Halton Hills Animal Control 905-877-6235
• Oakville and Milton: The Oakville & District Humane Society 905-845-1551

If you walk into your home and see a bat:

• make absolutely sure there is no human or animal contact.
• do not try to capture the bat.
• try to confine the bat to one room and contact animal control services in your area.
• If the bat is available (alive or dead), it may be sent for testing to rule out potential rabies exposure.

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