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Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has confirmed a bat found at Creative Minds Daycare in Brantford tested positive for rabies. Test results were received on August 13, and parents were quickly informed through letters with safety information.
GEPH identified everyone who had direct contact with the bat and advised them to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent rabies infection. As a precaution, the daycare will remain closed until inspectors confirm the building is free of bats and safe to reopen.
While the risk of rabies in Ontario is low, the illness is fatal if untreated. Rabies spreads through bites or scratches from infected animals, including bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Public health officials urge residents not to touch or feed wild animals and to keep pets vaccinated.
Anyone bitten or scratched should wash the wound, seek medical care immediately, and report the incident to GEPH at 519-753-4937 ext. 470.
Written by Jeremy Hall