Campbell River Public Health is reminding people to be cautious around bats after a bat found in the Willow Point area on July 24 tested positive for rabies.
The local health office said finding a single rabies-positive bat does not indicate an unusual event, as a small number of bats in the area may carry the virus.
“There are currently no known rabies cases in humans in BC. The last human case of rabies in BC was in 2019,” said Campbell River Public Health in a social media statement.
People are being reminded never to handle bats and to seek medical advice if they may have had contact with one.
Coastland Veterinary Hospital issued a public health alert following the discovery and is reminding pet owners to ensure their dogs and cats are up to date on rabies vaccinations.
Health officials at Coastland Veterinary Hospital noted that rabies is a fatal but preventable disease.
