News Release                   For Immediate Release

August 21, 2003

Do Not Handle Bats

The Public Health Unit has noticed an increase in the number of bat-human contacts in the past few weeks.  Bats are carriers of rabies and can spread the disease to humans through their saliva.   Rabies is a viral infection that affects the brain.  Human cases of rabies are rare, but fatal.  However, successful preventative immunization exists for those who have been exposed.

“Given the increase in contact between humans and bats, I want to remind people not to handle bats, even if they seem dead.  Bat control should be left to wildlife control experts,” says Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn.

For further information call Public Health at 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca and search on the keyword “bats”.

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For more information:

Lou D’Alessandro       

Public Health Manager

Public Health Unit        

376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456