Home / Health / Rabid Bat Discovered at Brantford Daycare, Prompting Closure and Health Concerns
Rabid Bat Discovered at Brantford Daycare, Prompting Closure and Health Concerns
15 Aug
Summary
- Bat found at Creative Minds Daycare tested positive for rabies
- Daycare closed for public health inspection, 145 children affected
- At least one child and one employee had contact with the bat
On August 16, 2025, a daycare in Brantford, Ontario was forced to close its doors after a bat found at the facility tested positive for rabies. The incident occurred at the Creative Minds Daycare, which cares for approximately 145 children and employs around 30 staff members.
According to the report, the bat was discovered by a child during morning playtime on Monday, August 14th. The child handed the bat to a worker, who promptly disposed of it. Public health authorities were notified, and testing confirmed the bat was infected with the rabies virus.
In response, the daycare has been shut down while the Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) department investigates the situation and ensures no more bats are present on the premises. GEPH has also contacted all individuals who had direct contact with the rabid bat, advising them to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment to prevent potential rabies infection.
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While the risk of rabies in the region is considered low, health officials are taking the matter seriously due to the fatal nature of the disease if left untreated. The daycare's owner, Vicki McNabb, has stated that the facility is working closely with authorities to address the issue and ensure the safety of the children and staff.
The incident has understandably caused concern among parents, with some, like Kim Stewart, withdrawing their children from the daycare. Stewart expressed frustration with the daycare's communication, stating that details about the situation were not shared promptly. However, the daycare's spokesperson, Laura Bailey, defended the facility's response, stating that they wanted to ensure they had all the necessary information before informing the wider community.
The Creative Minds Daycare remains closed as of August 16, 2025, and it is unclear when it will be able to reopen. Public health authorities continue to investigate the situation and work with the daycare to address any potential risks and ensure the facility is safe for the children and staff to return.
