Lambton Public Health says a bat which may have bit a pet had rabies.

Friday, public health officials warned the public to be aware bats carrying the disease are found in Lambton. The bat was tested last week as part of an investigation into a potential exposure of a pet. Public health didn’t say what community the mammal was found.

Public health is following up with the people involved to prevent rabies infection.

“While the risk of acquiring rabies locally remains very low, this case highlights the
importance of avoiding contact with wildlife and taking other steps to prevent animal
bites and scratches,” says Dr. Karalyn Dueck, Medical Officer of Health.

Rabies transmitted to people comes from an infected animal, like a bite or scratch. Bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons are the most common carriers.

If people have the symptoms of rabies, it’s almost 100 per cent fatal, however rabies vaccines are effective in preventing the disease if given before symptoms occur.