Vancouver, Wash. – A rabid bat being found outside a Camas home recently is a reminder to stay away from wild animals, especially bats, and keep pets vaccinated against rabies. Fortunately, no people were exposed to rabies carried by the bat.

Rabies is a severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system. All warm-blooded mammals – including humans – are susceptible to rabies. After exposure, prompt medical attention can prevent the disease. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

“Anyone who wakes up and finds a bat in their sleeping quarters should immediately contact Public Health,” said Derel Glashower, public health epidemiologist. “We will advise you on how to capture the bat so it can be tested. We also will advise you on whether you will need any precautionary medical treatment.”

To report a bat or determine whether an animal suspected of rabies qualifies for testing, call 360.397.8182 during business hours, or 888.727.6230 after hours.

In the Pacific Northwest, rabies is primarily carried by bats, although in other regions of the country the virus is sometimes carried by raccoons, skunks, foxes and coyotes. In developing countries, dogs are usually the principal rabies carrier.

Human rabies is an extremely rare disease in the United States. Since 1990 the number of reported cases in the United States has ranged from zero to seven cases annually. Almost all human rabies cases acquired in the United States since 1980 have been due to bat rabies virus. There have been two human rabies cases reported in Washington in the past 25 years, both resulting from bat rabies virus.

The rabies virus is found in the saliva of a rabid animal. It is usually spread to humans by animal bites. Rabies could potentially be spread if the virus comes into contact with mucous membranes – eye, nose, respiratory tract – open cuts, wounds or abraded skin. Person-to-person transmission of rabies has occurred only through tissue transplantation.

Anyone who is bitten or exposed to an animal that may be rabid should contact their doctor and local health department to determine the potential for rabies exposure and the need for treatment, and to decide whether to test the animal for rabies. Safe and effective treatment following potential rabies exposure should begin immediately after the exposure occurs.

To reduce the risk of rabies exposure:

• Do not handle wild animals, especially bats.
• Put screens on doors, windows and fireplaces. Keep the damper closed.
• Teach children not to touch or handle a live or dead bat if they find one.

If you see a wild animal leave it alone.

Vaccinate pets dogs, cats and ferrets to protect them – and you – from rabies. Consult your veterinarian for vaccine recommendations.

Additional information:

https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/animal-bites-and-rabies

http://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/IllnessandDisease/Rabies

http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/5100/420-190-BatTransportInstructions.pdf

CONTACT
Alan Melnick
Health Officer
Public Health
360-397-8412
alan.melnick@clark.wa.gov