Vancouver Coastal Health seeks person who handled a bat with rabies
Health officials are on the lookout for a person who came in physical contact with a rabid bat in Stanley Park.
In a new release issued today, Vancouver Coastal Health said that the "individual" handled the bat near Lost Lagoon on Wednesday (August 26).
That person subsequently left information about the condition of the animal.
"The individual is asked to call VCH Public Health at 604-675-3900 to assess their need for vaccination."
According to Vancouver Coastal Health, rabies is endemic in bats in B.C., which is why people shouldn't touch them.
Rabies is transmitted when the bat's saliva comes in contact with a human being's mucous membranes (including eyes, nose, and mouth) or through a break in the skin.
Anyone coming in contact with an injured bat in the Lower Mainland should contact the Wildlife Rescue Association (604-526-7275).
Those on the Sunshine Coast should phone the Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (604-886-4989).
Comments
1 Comments
Anonymous
Aug 29, 2015 at 3:46pm
Wait! Edit needed. A person who has physical contact with any bat should call public health, or go to an emergency ward where they will call public health. I think what the writer means is, if you see a bat, DON'T TOUCH IT, and contact those rescue organizations to have them deal with, the bat.