News

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has confirmed a bat found in Brantford-Brant tested positive for the rabies virus. The individual exposed to the bat is receiving post exposure rabies prophylaxis which includes rabies immune globulin and a series of rabies vaccine. Grand Erie Public Health reminds residents to report any animal bites or scratches to the health unit.

The risk of coming across an infected animal and contracting rabies in Ontario remains low. The virus can only be contracted through bites or scratches from an infected animal. Wild animals such as foxes, raccoons, skunks and bats can spread rabies. Below are some tips to avoid rabies exposure:

Rabies illness in humans can be prevented by receiving post exposure rabies prophylaxis, which is highly effective, but only if it is administered before symptoms begin. Rabies is only considered contagious after the associated symptoms begin.

Rabies is a viral infection that causes brain and spinal cord inflammation. It is typically spread to humans through direct contact with saliva or mucous of an infected animal, such as through a bite or scratch. Bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons are the most common animals to have rabies in Canada. Even tiny bites or scratches, which can be difficult to see, can transmit the virus. Symptoms of rabies in animals include excited or very lethargic behaviour, attacking objects or other animals, frothing at the mouth and biting.

Grand Erie Public Health investigates all animal bites or scratches on humans reported to the health unit. If you or a member of your family is bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal:

For more information about rabies, please visit www.bchu.org/rabies or www.hnhu.org/rabies.

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Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is one of Ontario’s public health units. GEPH formed in January 2025 when the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and Brant County Health Unit merged. We are dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of communities within the County of Brant, City of Brantford, Haldimand County, and Norfolk County. Our work is guided by the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Ontario Public Health Standards, ensuring that our programs and services meet the highest standards of public health practice. We are committed to fostering healthy communities through prevention, education, and health promotion, while working in collaboration with local partners to address the unique needs of our diverse populations.