Peel Public Health has received test results confirming the first case of animal rabies in 2019, after a bat found in Brampton tested positive for the disease.

Rabies is a viral disease that can cause severe damage to the brain and spinal cord in humans, according to Peel Health. If rabies is left untreated before symptoms appear, it will lead to death.

The rabies virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually entering through a bite or scratch.

“Transmission of rabies by bats to humans is rare,” said Peel medical officer of health Dr. Jessica Hopkins, in a statement. “However, residents who may have had physical contact with a bat should see a physician immediately to be assessed.”