Bat positive for rabies

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health says it received notification of a positive rabies test this week for a bat found outside Orangeville in the Melancthon area. The health unit said there were two human exposures on Aug. 10, and both individuals have begun a treatment protocol for the potentially fatal virus. The bat is the first positive case of rabies identified in the region this year. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry distributes rabies vaccine baits to curb the spread of the virus in wildlife; however, there is no vaccine or bait for bats. Public health cautions that rabies, though rare, can be fatal if not treated. If anyone has direct contact with a bat, call your family doctor or visit the hospital immediately.