Published: July 4, 2021
-City News
BELCARRA (NEWS 1130) — Fraser Health has issued a warning to those who were at White Pine Beach in Belcarra Saturday, as a group of people were seen handling a wild bat.
The health authority says nine people were spotted on the floating dock touching and handling an injured bat.
It’s now asking for those people to head to a hospital immediately so they can be tested for rabies.
Were you in direct contact with a bat last night at 7:45 p.m. at White Pine Beach in #Belcarra? If so, seek medical assistance immediately. Go to the nearest emergency department to be assessed for possible #rabies exposure: https://t.co/c6C8vokqPy pic.twitter.com/JpN3jZ1bzt
— Fraser Health (@Fraserhealth) July 4, 2021
Although the chance of contracting rabies from a bat is very low, if someone is infected with the deadly virus, they need to receive treatment immediately.
“While the prevalence of rabies among bats is low (less than one per cent of all bats), the health risks of rabies are severe,” a statement from the authority reads.
Fraser health is also reminding the public that it’s never a good idea to touch or feed a wild animal — for this exact reason.
Adding, if you come across an injured animal, you should contact the BC SPCA Provincial Call Centre on 1-855-622-7722
