Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease that can spread to people and pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.And with the discovery of a rabies positive bat, the Kent County Health Department and Kent County Animal Shelter are now urging residents to take precautions.
This is the county’s first rabies-positive animal of the year. Because bats can enter homes undetected, it’s important for residents to understand the risks and take appropriate precautions.
Cathy Armstrong, Communicable Disease Program Supervisor says, “If it’s unclear whether a person or pet may have had direct contact with a bat, testing the bat is the best way to rule out any risk of rabies exposure.”
If a bat enters a home experts advise Kent County residents take the following steps:
Safely capture the bat for potential testing and call the Kent County Health Department for a risk assessment.They may advise bringing the bat in for testing.
For more information about rabies and how to protect your family and pets, visit the state’s website at Michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.
