Rabies found in bat in Windsor-Essex: WECHU

WECHU warning of rabies The WECHU is warning residents of rabies after a bat tested positive. CTV Windsor’s Bob Bellacicco has more.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is reminding residents to avoid contact with unfamiliar domestic animals and wildlife after receiving a report of a positive result for rabies in a bat captured locally.

WECHU says there was no human exposure to this bat, and the risk of rabies transmission in the area remains low.

The health unit says this can serve as a reminder to residents that while rabies is rare, it is potentially deadly for humans.

“Rabies is present in our community with bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks as the most common wildlife carriers. Everyone should take precautions to prevent being bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, and to keep pets up to date with rabies vaccinations,” according to Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mehdi Aloosh.

To prevent exposure to rabies from wildlife and domestic animals, follow these tips:

If you notice a wild animal acting strangely, do not approach the animal. Call the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) public Rabies hotline at 1-888-574-6656 or contact your local Animal Control office.

Report all physical contact with domestic or wild animals to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit at 519-258-2146 ext. 4475 and seek medical attention immediately if required. If the incident occurs outside of regular business hours (Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm) or on a holiday, call us at 519-973-4510. WECHU has more information on rabies online.