One person being treated for exposure to bat rabies in Hamilton
![Bat A bat is seen mid-flight in this generic image from Getty. (Source: Getty Images)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/8/15/bat-1-6519810-1692109176789.png)
A Hamilton resident is receiving treatment after being exposed to a bat with rabies, health officials say.
In a news release, the city said that Hamilton Public Health Services received confirmation of its first positive rabid bat in about a year. The last confirmation was in August 2023.
"This serves as a reminder to stay away from bats and other animals that can carry rabies such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, as well as stray or unknown cats and dogs," the city said in its release.
Rabies is a potentially fatal virus which affects mammals. It is most commonly spread by wild animals like raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats through a bite by an infected animal.
Hamilton is currently seeing an outbreak of rabies, mainly in raccoons and skunks, the city said. Some 330 animals have tested positive for rabies since December 2015. That includes 215 raccoons, 112 skunks, one fox and two stray cats.
In addition, the city has seen 20 positive tests in bats since 2015, including seven last year.
Toronto and York Region have also seen confirmed rabies cases in bats in recent months.
Officials are advising people to avoid contact with wild animals, noting that rabies can make them behave aggressively or appear sick, scared or friendly.
People are also being advised to "bat proof" their homes, not keep wild animals as pets, and to report any animals that are behaving strangely to the city.
Cats and dogs can also be vaccinated against the disease.
"If you are bitten by an animal, or had direct contact with an animal’s saliva, wash the wound with soap and water, seek medical attention immediately or call Public Health Services at 905-546-2489," the city said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7031520.1725924339!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh convenes caucus in Montreal to plot post-deal path forward
Just days after demolishing his deal with Justin Trudeau’s Liberals, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is holding a three-day strategy session with his MPs in Montreal.
An Israeli strike on a Gaza humanitarian zone tent camp kills at least 40 people, Palestinians say
An Israeli strike on a crowded tent camp housing Palestinians displaced by the war in Gaza killed at least 40 people and wounded 60 others early Tuesday, Palestinian officials said. Israel said it targeted 'significant' Hamas militants and disputed the death toll.
2 hospitalized, suspects sought after 'extreme case of road rage' in B.C.: RCMP
Mounties in B.C.'s Lower Mainland are searching for two people allegedly responsible for a road rage incident that sent a couple to hospital with serious injuries, saying the suspects could be in another province.
Forgotten Cheetos snack bag can have 'world-changing' impact, U.S. national park says
A U.S. national park is cautioning tourists about how a small bag of Cheetos could have an enormous impact.
Why is this village in Quebec facing a 370 per cent property tax hike?
Residents in the small Quebec village of Danford Lake may soon be priced out of their homes, as property valuations and taxes are set to skyrocket.
Calgary's police chief speaks out against Alberta's anticipated photo radar crackdown
Calgary’s police chief has issued a grave warning about the potential impact of further restrictions on photo radar use in Alberta.
Woman who died in B.C. jail cell had asked to be taken to hospital twice, report shows
A woman who died from drug toxicity while in a B.C. jail cell asked to be taken to hospital twice in the hours after she was taken into custody in a case the province's police watchdog says again raises concerns over the treatment of intoxicated prisoners.
James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, 'The Lion King' and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93.
Romeo Dallaire now recovered from severe infection: CTV News Exclusive
Romeo Dallaire is ready to return to public life again this fall after a serious health scare forced the retired lieutenant-general to postpone his cross-country book tour in March.