Peel Public Health reminds residents to avoid touching wild or unknown animals
BRAMPTON, ON (August 29, 2024) – Peel Public Health has confirmed two positive cases of rabies found in bats in Peel Region, one in the Professor’s Lake area of Brampton and one in south Mississauga. There were no resulting cases of rabies in humans.
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It is spread through the saliva and mucus membranes of infected animals. Humans and their pets can become infected if they are in contact with a rabid animal. Symptomatic rabies infections in humans are almost always fatal. Treatment with rabies vaccination and antibodies injection can prevent rabies if they are given before symptoms appear.
The risk of running into an infected animal and contracting rabies in Ontario is very 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 from Peel Public Health 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.
If you have been bitten by or scratched by a wild animal, speak to a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Rabies is preventable through prompt medical care.
If you see a sick or wounded animal, contact Animal Services by calling 311. Do not touch or handle the animal.
More information on preventing rabies can be found on Peel Region’s website.