Two bats test positive for rabies in Wellesley Township: Public Health
Posted Aug 7, 2025 06:51:39 AM.
Last Updated Aug 7, 2025 10:25:56 AM.
There’s a warning to pet owners after a couple of cases of rabies in Waterloo Region were detected.
Regional Public Health and Paramedic services put out a statement on Wednesday, warning of two bats testing positive for the disease in Wellesley Township. The services note that this is not unexpected, as the disease is found in them and there is increased activity during the summer months.
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system of warm-blooded animals, and is most commonly seen in bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. It’s spread through a bite, and coming in contact with infected saliva through a scratch, wound, mouth, nose or eyes.
Human cases are very rare, with the most recent case in Ontario being reported last year. Before that, it was in 1967.
However, if left untreated, it can be fatal. Since 1924, there have only been 28 reported deaths due to rabies in Canada, including nine in Ontario.
Symptoms of infection can include overreacting to touch, sound or light, loss of appetite or not being able to eat or drink, or staggering or falling.
Some tips to avoid getting scratched or bitten include not touching any sick or injured animals, not feeding any wild animals, keeping bats out of your house and assuming that any bat that you see has rabies.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, public health says to immediately wash the affected area with soap and water, seek medical attention and report the incident to public health. If the animal has an owner, get their information so public health can follow up with them.
A link to more tips, symptoms and resources can be found here.
