It’s the time of year when the health unit turns their attention to bats.
Dr. Linna Li, Medical Officer of Health says bats have the potential to carry diseases such as rabies which can be transmitted to both people and animals. But its not overly common.
Audio PlayerThe Doctor explained further about rabies and says there is a risk of the virus being transmitted from bat, to us.
Audio PlayerContact with a bat is defined as the bat touching or landing on a person.
Senior Public Health Inspector Andrew Dunn says 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 and get medical attention immediately.
Audio PlayerFor more information, visit the following resources:
There are some links on the Health Unit website www.healthunit.org click on the Health Information – Rabies tab
Keeping Bats Out of Your House – Centers of Disease Control and Prevention
Prevent conflicts with bats | ontario.ca
Bat Conservation International
And you can listen to the complete conversation below.
Audio Player