Public Health recommends all children in Brantford, Ont., day admission is treated after Rabid Bat Found is found

Public Health officials in Brantford, Ontario, are urging all children who attended a local daycare to get vaccinated for rabies after a child found a dead bat and handed it to a daycare employee last week.

Grand Erie Public Health (GEH) has set up a series of clinics where children can receive prophylaxis treatment after potential exposure to rabies. The treatment involves one dose of rabies immune globulin, along with four doses of rabies vaccine administered over a two-week period, according to a memo sent to parents and guardians by GEH.

Dr. Jason Malenfant, acting medical officer of health, stated in an email that the precautionary treatment is being offered due to the presence of other bats associated with Creative Minds Daycare. Although the daycare ensured that children were always supervised and the risk of direct contact with a bat remained low, young children may not be able to accurately report if they had been in contact with the bat.

Creative Minds Daycare temporarily closed on August 11th after a bat tested positive for rabies. Following an investigation by GEH, two individuals who had direct contact with the bat received treatment, and the daycare was allowed to reopen on Monday after measures were taken to prevent bats from entering the building.

It was reported that a live bat was found in the daycare a day after the dead bat was discovered, but no one had direct contact with it. The daycare also mentioned that bats were found on the premises in June, but no contact was made at that time.

In response to the incident, many parents took their children to receive rabies vaccinations as recommended by their doctors. Brant Community Healthcare System managed to administer 10 rabies vaccinations at Brantford General Hospital on August 14th.

According to Keith Corey, GEH Manager of Environmental Health, it is challenging to determine if a bat is carrying rabies just by looking at it. Bats have small teeth and claws, making it possible to be bitten or scratched without realizing it. The risk of rabies transmission is low, but if there is a possibility of contact with a bat, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNRF) advises individuals who come into contact with a bat to visit their website for guidance on handling the situation. It is also crucial to contact a Wildlife Management Company if a bat is found in your home or business for safe removal and testing.

While the percentage of bats with rabies in Ontario is low, it is essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Rabies can be fatal once symptoms appear, making it crucial to seek treatment promptly if there is a risk of exposure.

In conclusion, public awareness of rabies prevention is essential to avoid potential risks associated with wild animals like bats. It is important to refrain from handling bats or other wildlife directly and to ensure that pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. By following these precautions, the community can help prevent the spread of rabies and protect the health and safety of all individuals.