Rabies found in Hamilton bat, person exposed receiving medical care, says public health

Hamilton public health has confirmed a bat has tested positive for rabies — the first since last August.

A resident has been exposed to the virus and is being treated, said public health in a news release Friday.

"This serves a reminder to the community to stay away from bats and other animals that can carry rabies," it said.

Hamilton currently has a rabies outbreak, mainly in raccoons and skunks, and 330 animals have tested positive in nine years, public health said. 

One fox, two stray cats and numerous bats have also tested positive in that time, said public health. 

Rabies is a fatal virus spread primarily by wild animals through their saliva.

Last year, a child from the Brantford, Ont., area died from rabies after being bitten by an infected bat in another part of the province.

Humans are at risk of infection if they've been bitten by an animal or had other direct contact with an animal's saliva, through open wounds or scratches, for example. 

If this contact happens, public health advises you to seek medical attention immediately, or call public health. If you see a raccoon, skunk, bat or other wild animal that's dead, sick or acting strangely, contact animal services.