Toronto Public Health is urgently seeking the person who recently dropped off a bat at an animal hospital after it tested positive for rabies. The bat was brought to the hospital on June 14 and was confirmed to have the deadly virus on June 18.
According to Toronto Public Health, the bat was found in the Yonge and Eglinton area and was brought to the animal hospital by an unknown individual. The health agency is now urging this person to come forward and seek medical attention immediately, as they may have been exposed to rabies.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and can be fatal if left untreated. It is commonly transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a bat. Symptoms of rabies in humans include fever, headache, and weakness, which can progress to more serious symptoms such as hallucinations, paralysis, and even death.
Toronto Public Health is also reminding the public to avoid contact with bats and other wild animals, and to ensure that their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. If you come into contact with a bat, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and to report the incident to Toronto Public Health.
In addition, the health agency is conducting a thorough investigation to determine if anyone else may have come into contact with the rabid bat. They are asking anyone who may have had contact with a bat in the Yonge and Eglinton area to contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600.
It is crucial for the person who dropped off the bat at the animal hospital to come forward and seek medical attention as soon as possible. By doing so, they can receive the necessary treatment to prevent the onset of rabies and protect their health.
Toronto Public Health is committed to protecting the health and safety of all residents and is working diligently to contain the spread of rabies in the city. They are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any sightings of sick or dead bats to the agency.
In conclusion, the discovery of a rabid bat in Toronto serves as a reminder of the importance of avoiding contact with wild animals and ensuring that pets are vaccinated against rabies. Toronto Public Health is urging anyone with information about the person who dropped off the bat at the animal hospital to come forward and seek medical attention immediately. Let us all work together to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.
