Bats can carry rabies, an infectious viral disease that
affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. If left
untreated, rabies is fatal in humans.
The health unit has seen a significant increase this summer in
the number of reported bat exposures.
Eighteen bat exposures have been reported this year. Six bats
were submitted for testing. One bat tested positive for rabies.
Seven people have received rabies vaccine so far this year
following exposure.
While bats are very helpful in keeping insect populations in
check, it is important to be aware of a few simple precautions
to protect yourself against rabies.
People may become infected with rabies when bitten or scratched
by a rabid bat or when a rabid bat's saliva comes into contact
with broken skin or moist tissues of the mouth, nose or eyes.
Rabid bats are rarely aggressive. A bat may be rabid if it is
active by day, if it is found in a place where bats are not
usually seen, and/or if it is unable to fly. These bats are
often easily approached, but should never be touched.
A bat has sharp, needle-like teeth that may cause a relatively
painless, unnoticeable bite. If you are bitten by a bat, or if
saliva from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound,
wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Get
medical advice immediately and report the incident to the
Sudbury & District Health Unit.
If there is no sign of a bite wound, people are advised to
phone the Sudbury & District Health Unit at 522-9200, ext.
398, or toll-free at 1-866-522-9200 when:
- A bat lands on a person.
- A person wakes up to find a bat in the room.
- A bat is found in the room of a person unable to report
contact, such as an infant.
The best way to prevent human exposure is to keep bats out of
your home and cottage. This can be done by covering all outside
points of entry. Watch where the bat exits at dusk and keep
them from re-entering by hanging loose plastic sheeting or bird
netting over these areas. After the bats have left, permanently
seal the openings.
The best time to "bat-proof" your home or cottage is in the
fall when most bats have left to hibernate. This involves
caulking holes in the building's exterior - even those as small
as one-quarter or one-half inch in diameter.
Tighten screens, cap the chimney, place draft guards under
doors leading to the attic and outside, and fill plumbing
fixture holes with steel wool or caulk. For help with
"bat-proofing", contact a pest management company.
For more information on bats and rabies, phone the environmental health division of the Sudbury & District Health Unit at (705) 522-9200, ext. 398 or visit www.sdhu.com .
