27-06-2025
Person exposed to rabid bat in Brant County
A bat is seen mid-flight in this generic image from Getty. (Source: Getty Images)
A person has come into contact with a rabid bat in Brant County.
In a news release on Friday, the Grand Erie Public Health Unit said the bat was found in Brantford-Brant and tested positive for the rabies virus.
Someone who was exposed to the animal is now receiving post exposed rabies prophylaxis, including rabies immune globulin and a series of vaccines.
Rabies can be contracted through bites or scratches from an infected animal, such as a fox, raccoon, skunk or bat. It is spread through saliva and mucous.
The rabies illness can be prevented in human if they seek immediate medical treatment. Interventions must be administered before symptoms begin. It can take days or even months for symptoms to appear.
However, once symptoms begin to show, an infected person will usually die within seven to 14 days.
Rabies symptoms include fever, tiredness, headaches, anxiety or irritability, tingling and numbness.
Eventually, an infected person's brain will begin to swell, and they may become confused and experience seizures and hallucinations. They may also become afraid of water and fresh air or drafts.
Last year, a child died after they came into contact with a rabid bat. The Brant County Health Unit, which is now a part of the Grand Erie Public Health Unit, confirmed the infection in early September. According to Public Health Ontario, it was the first case of domestic human rabies recorded since 1967.
They believe the infection stemmed from a bat the child encountered in the Timiskaming Region.
