Public health officials are warning the public after a bat found at the quarry swimming area at Belwood Lake tested positive for rabies.
On Aug. 28 at about 2:30pm a bat dove into the water and swimmers tried to rescue the bat.
“We know that someone picked up the bat and brought it out onto the beach area and we do have reports that they showed it to other people, including some children, but we don’t know how many,” said Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) spokesperson Chuck Ferguson.
The bat, retrieved by Grand River Conservation Authority staff, later tested positive for rabies.
“If you were just swimming in Belwood Lake you’re not at risk,” Ferguson said.
“But if you touched the bat or held the bat or came in any physical contact with the bat, that’s considered a high-risk exposure.”
He explained that if the bat bit someone “it can give you rabies through its saliva – or let’s say you put it in your hands and you had some open cuts or a rash on your hand, you can get the rabies virus that way.”
He added, “If you did touch that bat, you need to go see your doctor.” If that’s not possible, Ferguson said those concerned about exposure can also go to the nearest emergency department.
“One of the messages that I don’t think people get is rabies is always fatal,” he said. “So if you think you’ve been touched by the bat, you need to get it checked out.”
Anyone with any information about the incident should contact public health.
In the Guelph-Wellington area, two skunks and three bats have tested positive for rabies this summer.
“If you’re swimming in a lake during the day time and a bat dives into the water, that’s a sick bat,” Ferguson said.
“It’s very abnormal behaviour. You should never approach wildlife anyways but if you see a raccoon, a bat, a skunk acting strangely, you really need to avoid it and call animal control or the police.”
Anyone bitten, scratched or otherwise in contact with a suspicious animal should report the incident to WDGPH at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4753. After hours and on weekends and holidays, call 1-877-884-8653.
For more information about rabies, visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca/your-community/animal-bites-rabies.
