News

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has confirmed a bat found in Brantford-Brant tested positive for the rabies virus. The individual’s exposure to the bat was deemed low risk as there was no direct contact. 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. Rabies is transmitted only when the virus is introduced into a bite wound, open cuts in skin (such as a scratch), or onto mucous membranes such as the mouth or eyes. Wild animals such as foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats can spread rabies. Below are some tips to avoid rabies exposure:

• Avoid touching, approaching or feeding wild or unknown animals, even if they look healthy.
• Ensure pets and livestock are up to date with their rabies vaccinations.
• If you find a bat in your home, call animal services at 311. Don’t attempt to remove the bat yourself.
• Stay away from animals that are acting strangely, are injured, or are sick.

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:

• Wash the bite or scratch site with soap and water
• Tell an adult (if under age 18)
• Seek medical attention immediately
• Report it to the health unit at 519-753-4937 ext. 470

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

Quote(s)

“While the risk of rabies remains low in our region, this incident is a reminder of the importance of caution around wild animals. Although there was no confirmed human contact in this case, the presence of a rabies-positive bat in our community serves as an important reminder to avoid contact with or handling wild animals. Rabies is fatal if untreated, but preventable with prompt medical attention. Anyone who may have had contact with a bat or other wild animal should seek medical care immediately and notify public health”.

– Jason Malenfant, Acting Medical Officer of Health

Grand Erie Public Health

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.

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