A rabid bat was discovered in a small county in Michigan, which has led local health authorities to remind residents about the risks associated with bats and animal bites in general. It seems like the beginning of spring has taken an unexpectedly batty turn.
Washtenaw County, with a population of over 300,000, recently experienced a rare occurrence when they confirmed the presence of a rabid bat in their area. It had been a significant period since the last reported case of a bat with rabies in the region, dating back to 2022.
According to Ailen Velazquez, the county health department epidemiology coordinator, it is not uncommon to come across rabid bats in the county on an annual basis. Velazquez emphasized that bat encounters are more frequent during the summer and fall months. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to promptly notify the health department if they discover a bat in their home.
According to USA TODAY, the risk of rabies transmission to humans and pets is higher during the spring and summer due to increased outdoor activities. This means that Michigan residents are not the only ones at risk.
The viral disease is highly lethal to mammals, posing a severe threat to individuals who become infected but fail to receive adequate medical treatment.
As we approach the warmer months, it is important to be aware of the key information regarding rabies, including the symptoms that one should be vigilant for.
What is rabies?
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Rabies is a viral disease that typically spreads through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, whether it’s from animal to animal or animal to human. The transmission occurs specifically through direct contact with the saliva, broken skin, or the mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth, as reported by USA TODAY.
Rabies can also be transmitted through direct contact with brain or nervous system tissue from an infected animal. It is important to note that there is no known infection risk associated with petting a rabid animal or coming into contact with their blood, urine, or feces.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes that the rabies virus has the ability to infect the central nervous system of all mammals, leading to brain disease and eventual death. However, they highlight that this deadly virus is entirely preventable through appropriate vaccinations and medical intervention after exposure.
Rabies is primarily prevalent among wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, particularly in the United States. However, in other countries, dogs remain carriers of rabies, contributing to a significant number of rabies-related fatalities worldwide, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
Do all bats have rabies?
Not all bats carry rabies, but they have the potential to contract the virus.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation, only 6% of captured bats in the U.S. were found to have the rabies virus. Although bats make up a third of the 5,000 reported cases of rabid animals each year in the U.S., they are responsible for approximately 70% of deaths among individuals infected with rabies, as stated in the 2019 data from the CDC.
According to a report by USA TODAY, bats in all U.S. states, except for Hawaii, carry the rabies virus.
What are common rabies symptoms?
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, humans contracting rabies is an extremely rare occurrence, with only one to two cases reported each year.
After being exposed to the virus, there is a period known as the incubation period during which the virus makes its way to the brain. According to USA TODAY, the length of this period can vary, lasting anywhere from weeks to months. The duration of the incubation period depends on factors such as the location of the exposure site on the body, the type of rabies virus, and the presence of any existing immunity.
Symptoms manifest similarly in both humans and animals.
Rabies symptoms resemble those of the flu, causing weakness, discomfort, fever, and headache. Additionally, individuals may experience a prickling or itching sensation at the site of the bite, which can persist for several days.
As time passes, the symptoms of the condition worsen and become more severe. These symptoms may include cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, agitation, delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, hydrophobia, and insomnia.
According to the CDC, once clinical signs of rabies become apparent, the disease is almost always fatal. There have been less than 20 documented cases of human survival from rabies. If you suspect that you or an animal you know may have contracted rabies, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Residents in Washtenaw County can report bat exposure and/or animal bites by clicking here.