Immediate Action Required!

Public health officials are on high alert and urgently seeking to locate an individual who may have had potential exposure to rabies in the Lindsay area last Friday.

What Happened?

On March 14, around 5 p.m. EST, a bat was discovered at the intersection of Kent Street West and Adelaide Street in Lindsay. After being moved from the road to a nearby tree, the bat was later taken to a wildlife sanctuary, where it exhibited signs of illness. Subsequent testing confirmed the bat was positive for rabies.

If You Handled the Bat, Act Now!

The individual who moved the bat is not in trouble but is encouraged to reach out to the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, extension 5006. It's crucial to check whether any exposure, such as a bite or scratch, occurred and to assess the need for immediate medical attention.

A Vital Reminder: Stay Away from Wild Animals!

Richard Ovcharovich, manager of Environmental Health at HKPR, emphasizes the importance of avoiding direct contact with bats and other wildlife known to harbor rabies. "Humans are at risk if bitten or if saliva from an infected animal contacts open wounds or scratches," he noted.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that impacts the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. In Ontario, common carriers include bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons. The virus spreads when a person is bitten by an infected animal or comes into contact with its saliva.

How to Stay Safe and Handle Bats: Key Tips!

If bitten or if direct contact with a bat occurs, report it to your family doctor and the HKPR immediately. If no contact occurred, open windows to help the bat escape and seal off the rest of your house. Do not try to capture or interact with the bat yourself.

Protect Your Pets and Property!

Bats can also transmit rabies to pets, so keep your dogs and cats vaccinated. For those with bats residing on their property, it's best to consult a professional pest control service. Plus, check your home for any gaps that could allow bats entry, sealing them properly.

Stay Alert and Safe!

The community is reminded to remain vigilant. If you see any wild animals that are dead, sick, or behaving strangely, do not approach them—contact local animal services instead. Your safety and health are paramount!