VANCOUVER
, BC
– The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is issuing a reminder that summer brings with it an increased risk of contact between people and wild animals, particularly bats, and consequently an increased risk of exposure to rabies – a disease which, if not prevented quickly after exposure to the virus, is fatal over 99% of the time.
Bats are the primary carriers of rabies in the province. BCCDC is advising people to avoid physical contact with bats, and to seek immediate medical attention if they have been bitten by, or have had any physical contact with a bat. While rabies can be prevented with a vaccine after exposure to the virus, immunization is ineffective once symptoms develop.
Rabies disease is very rare among humans. The two most recent human cases of rabies in BC residents – both linked to a bat strain of the virus – were in 2003 and 1985, and both of them were fatal. Even if the disease is rare, exposures to bats are frequent. Each situation must be carefully evaluated to determine the need for vaccine.
Ken Cooper, Senior Environmental Health Specialist with BCCDC, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, urges people, especially those with cabins and homes in rural areas, to be vigilant. “If you are bitten, scratched or have handled a bat, assume you’ve been exposed to the rabies virus,” Cooper says. “In those circumstances, you must seek medical attention to have your exposure risk evaluated. Regardless of where you are in the province, though, remember that physical contact with bats – alive or dead – is to be avoided.”
“Although there is virtually no risk of rabies from being bitten by other types of animals – such as skunks, foxes, raccoons and coyotes – in BC, people should seek medical advice right away, especially if the animal acted strangely. Also, a tetanus shot may be needed.” warns Cooper.
The best approach is prevention:
- Do not touch live or dead bats
- Make your home or cabin ‘batproof’. Keep your doors and windows closed or screened (make sure the screens don’t have any holes), and keep your attic area free of bats by ensuring all vents are properly screened
- Seek professional bat control advice if you observe bats in your work area or home environment
- Avoid locations or activities where bats are likely to be encountered (e.g. caves)
- If you have a pet dog, cat or ferret, make sure that it is vaccinated regularly against rabies
- Warn children about the risks of exposure to rabies (e.g. not approaching wildlife or handling bats)
People who have been bitten or scratched by a bat (or other possibly rabid animal), or who have handled a bat should immediately do the following:
- Thoroughly wash the bite or scratch with soap and water, using lots of water to flush the wound
- In the case of handling a bat, wash hands thoroughly
- Seek medical attention right away
-30-
For more information on rabies:
Media Contact:
BCCDC Communications
Ritinder Harry
Phone: 604-660-4922
