08/19/2026
Rabies remains uncommon in B.C., and public health experts closely monitor trends across the province. Finding a single rabies-positive bat does not indicate an unusual event, as bats are a natural part of our local ecosystem and a small number may carry rabies.
There are currently no known rabies cases in humans in BC. The last human case of rabies in BC was in 2019.
The best protection is prevention: ✅ Do not handle bats. ✅ Keep pets' rabies vaccinations up to date. ✅ Seek medical advice if you think a person may have had contact with a bat.
For more information, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website Rabies. https://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/rabies
If you have come into DIRECT CONTACT with a bat please contact your health care provider or Island Health’s North Island Communicable Disease Hub at 250-331-8555 See less