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Public health officials are warning residents to steer clear of bats after a spike in bat-related exposures this summer in Peterborough and surrounding counties.
The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health, now legally merged, say trying to catch a bat indoors can increase the risk of bites or scratches — and potential exposure to rabies. The virus, present in bats across Ontario, is fatal once symptoms appear but preventable with timely treatment.
If there is no direct contact — meaning the bat doesn’t land on or touch a person — the rabies risk is extremely low. Officials advise confining the bat to one room, turning off the lights and opening a window, or calling pest control for safe removal.
Anyone bitten, scratched or who has had physical contact with a bat should wash the area immediately and seek medical advice about post-exposure treatment. Special caution is urged if a bat is found in a sleeping area with a child or someone unable to confirm contact.
Officials also urge pet owners to keep rabies vaccinations current, noting it is required by law for dogs and cats in Ontario.
