Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is a zoonotic infection, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans primarily through saliva via a bite or a scratch. While the virus is constantly present in the province’s wildlife, the overall risk to the human population remains very low. Only two human fatalities linked to bat exposure have been recorded in British Columbia since 1924.
The Primary Rabies Carrier in British Columbia
Bats are the only known natural reservoir for the rabies virus within British Columbia. This means the bat population is the source of the virus in BC, unlike other regions in North America where terrestrial mammals like raccoons, skunks, and foxes are also carriers. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected bat, typically from a scratch or bite. Because bat bites can be minute and difficult to detect, any direct contact is treated with caution.
The prevalence of rabies among the bat population is low, with estimates suggesting less than one percent of bats in the wild carry the virus. However, a higher percentage of bats submitted for testing—around eight to thirteen percent—are found to be positive. This higher figure is likely because only bats that are sick, acting strangely, or have had contact with humans or domestic animals are typically sent for testing. On rare occasions, the bat strain of rabies has been found in other animals, such as skunks.
Geographic Scope and Risk Assessment
The risk of rabies exposure is not confined to one specific area, as bats are found throughout the province of British Columbia. This means that the potential for encountering a rabid bat exists across all regions, from Vancouver Island to the interior and northern parts of the province. The overall threat level is continuously assessed as exceedingly small, provided there has been no direct contact with a bat.
The risk increases significantly only when people or their pets interact with a bat that is acting abnormally. Rabid bats may appear weak, be found on the ground, or be flying during the daytime, which are all unusual behaviors. Public health authorities treat any direct bat exposure as a high-risk event, regardless of where in BC it occurred.
Prevention and Safety Measures
The most effective strategy for preventing rabies infection is to avoid contact with bats and other wildlife entirely. People should never attempt to touch or handle any bat, whether it appears healthy, sick, or is found deceased. If a bat is found inside a home, especially in a room with a sleeping occupant or a child, it is considered a potential exposure requiring immediate public health consultation.
Pet vaccination is an important preventative measure. Domestic animals, including dogs, cats, and ferrets, should be kept up-to-date on their rabies immunizations. This is recommended even for indoor cats, as they may escape outside or come into contact with a bat that has entered the house. Homeowners can also take steps to exclude bats from their living spaces by sealing up small entry points and securing unscreened windows.
Immediate Steps Following Potential Exposure
If an exposure, such as a bite or scratch from a bat, is suspected or confirmed, immediate first aid is required. The wound must be washed thoroughly with soap and water under a running tap for a minimum of fifteen minutes. This prolonged washing process is important because it physically lessens the chances of any infection taking hold.
Urgent medical attention must be sought immediately from a healthcare provider or the local public health authority. Rabies is a reportable disease, and public health officials will conduct a risk assessment based on the specific circumstances of the exposure. If the assessment determines that an exposure is likely, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) will be recommended. PEP is a highly effective treatment involving a series of shots, which typically includes a dose of human rabies immunoglobulin and a series of rabies vaccines.