Peterborough Public Health confirms the discovery of a second rabid bat in the area – Peterborough

Peterborough Public Health confirmed that a second bat found in the city of Peterborough had been tested positive for rabies.

"This positive animal case confirms what we already know, that rabies is present in our region," said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.

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A month ago, the health office reported its first case of rabies in a bat.

"This is a good reminder for residents to take precautions, such as getting your pets vaccinated and avoiding any contact with bats and other animals known to be rabies carriers."

The health unit said that there were 20 rabies bats in Ontario in 2017 and none in Peterborough.

The health office advises people to avoid wild animals – raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats – who are known to carry the disease.

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"Enraged animals can be extremely excited, attacking objects or other animals, have foam in their mouths and bite at nothing," said the health service.

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The bat in Peterborough is infected with rabies

Rabies is a deadly disease of the central nervous system that affects humans and other mammals. The virus is concentrated in the saliva of a rabid animal and can be transmitted through a bite, a cut, a scratch or if saliva comes into contact with wet tissues of the mouth, nose or eyes.

Once symptoms appear, there is no known cure for rabies.