Bat with rabies found in southwest Oakville by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 3 | Friday, June 24, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Halton Region's Health Department has confirmed a case of rabies in a bat found in Oakville last week. The bat was located in the area of Honeyvale Road and Swansea Drive in southwest Oakville and tests confirmed it had rabies. Residents who may have had physical contact with a bat in this area are advised to immediately contact the Halton Region Health Department by dialing 311. "The health department is reminding residents to avoid all contact with bats and other wild animals," said Matt Ruf, director of Healthy Environments and Communicable Disease for Halton Region. "Anyone who comes in physical contact with a bat or other wild animal should see a physician immediately and contact the health department." Rabies is a viral disease that causes severe damage to the brain and spinal cord, leading to death. The virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually entering through a bite. Rabies illness in humans can be prevented after exposure by the use of the rabies vaccine, which is extremely effective, but only if it is administered before symptoms occur. It is not always possible to identify if a bat has bats is rare, however, bites from rabid bats have resulted in almost all of the human cases of rabies in Canada over the past several years. Bats have small, needle-like teeth that result in bites that can go easily undetected. The victim may not be aware a bite occurred -- especially if it happens while the person is asleep. Residents can protect themselves and their pets by: · Making sure pets' rabies vaccinations are up to date; · Warning children to stay away from any wild, stray or aggressive animals; · Not touching dead or sick animals; · Not feeding or keeping wild animals as pets; · Keeping pets tied on a leash when off residents' property; · Seeking medical attention immediately if they come into contact with a potentially rabid animal; · Taking any pet that has come in contact with a bat, raccoon, or other wild animal to a veterinarian; · Reporting all animal bites or scratches to the Halton Region Health Department. For more information, visit www.halton.ca/ rabies or call the Halton Health Department. Bhandari Family Dentistry returns to Oakville Bring in yOur Family FOr a CheCk-uP at Our new mODern CliniC Dr. Bhandari is an advocate of oral health with 31 years of experience. He and his team pride themselves for their professional and comprehensive approach to dentistry. Dr. Bhandari has proudly worked with a number of celebrities throughout his career, helping them maintain their red carpet worthy smiles! Customer care is our core concern. Whether you're looking for general maintenance, regular check-up treatments or cosmetic dentistry, we can help. Give Dr. Bhandari a call to book your appointment or consultation. Halton Region has confirmed a case of rabies in a bat found in southwest Oakville (Honeyvale Road and Swansea Drive area) last week. | photo courtesy Halton Region rabies, however, rabid bats may move slowly, lose the ability to fly, remain active during daylight hours or be unresponsive to loud noises. According to the Region's website, rabies in Crowns before aCtual Patient treatmentS By Dr. BhanDari Crowns after June's Feature Menu SuRF & Turf Mix Grill The Original Bridgework before Bridgework after Porcelain Veneers Crowns and Bridges Teeth Whitening Restorations Composite Resin Dental Implants Laser Dentistry New Patients & Dental Emergencies Welcome Periodontist on site Free Hummus or Baba Ganosh or Calamari for every table 8 oz. New York Steak topped off with Scallops and Tiger Shrimp in a Lemon Butter Sauce $22.95 Chicken Shawarma, Montfort Chicken, Pork Souvlaki and Kafta $21.95 creamy Dill Sauce. $17.95 Dr. Vineet BhanDari BSc DIH DDS Atlantic Salmon 8 oz. Fresh Atlantic Salmon Filet accompanied with a *All dishes are accompanied with Garden Salad, Sautéed Vegetables and your choice of French Fries, Home fries or Rice* Hours of Operation 905.825.5110 Monday to Friday 7:30 - 5:00. Evening and Saturday appointments available. Complimentary Baklava. Weekdays 11am - 3am Weekends 11am - 4am Please RSVP (905) 845-7937 | Website: info@montfortrestaurants.com | Patio NOW OPEN Palermo Professional Centre 2525 Old Bronte Rd., Suite 470 Oakville (at Dundas Street) · www.bhandaridental.com Don't Compromise on Driver Training UpComing CoUrses July 5, 6, 7, 8 4 Days 9:30 am - 3:30 pm July 18, 19, 20, 21 4 Days 9:30 am - 3:30 pm August 2, 3, 4, 5 4 Days 9:30 am - 3:30 pm www.drivewiseoakville.com 905-845-7200