Hands off wildlife.
That’s the message from Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, medical officer of health for Chatham-Kent, in the wake of a bat in Chatham-Kent testing positive for the virus.
He said the prime way to avoid possible exposure to rabies it to steer clear of wild animals.
“Don’t interact with wild animals. Don’t pet them. Don’t feed them,” he said.
Nesathurai made the statements at the July 14 board of health meeting. He said it is not uncommon for bats to carry rabies, but other animals that can be infected include raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, dogs, and cats.
“In 2024, there was a case of rabies not far from here. It’s a virus and it’s a virus that transfers from animals to humans by scratch or bite,” Nesathurai said.
A child contracted rabies west of Hamilton and did not survive.
“Once a person has symptoms, they’re almost certain to die,” Nesathurai said, adding symptoms can begin with feeling unwell, but are followed by “increased salivation, limb paralysis…it’s an awful way of dying.”
However, people can make efforts to prevent exposure. First, stay away from wildlife, here and abroad. Second, ensure your pets are vaccinated against rabies.
“If you have a pet, talk to your veterinarian about the rabies vaccine,” Nesathurai said. “If an animal doesn’t have rabies, it can’t transmit it to a person.”
And if someone believes they may have been exposed to rabies, he said there is medical help available.
“If a person has been exposed, if they’ve been bitten by a bat or had physical contact, or had a bite from a dog, medical treatment can be used to prevent getting rabies,” Nesathurai said. “When appropriate, after an assessment and an investigation, post-exposure treatment is provided as soon as possible. If you’ve been exposed, get medical help. If you need advice, call the on-call team here.”
Last year, CK Public Health received 380 calls for animal bites or rabies exposure. The calls are welcomed. The number to dial is 519-355-1071, ext. 2902.
Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals.
