Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Evansville According to Vanderburgh County Health Department

According to the Vandeburgh County Health Department, a bat found in Evansville has tested positive for rabies.

Rabies is fatal to humans and you should never handle wildlife. According to a press release from the Vanderburgh County Health Department:

As rabies is a fatal illness in humans, residents are advised not to handle or touch wild animals.  Any dead, injured or wild animal displaying a change in behavior should be reported immediately to the Evansville-Vanderburgh Animal Care & Control Shelter at 812-435-6015.

 

What appears to be insignificant contact with bats may result in rabies transmission, even without clear evidence of a bite.  Rabies treatment (aka post exposure prophylaxis) is recommended for all persons with bite, scratch, mucous membrane exposure (eyes, nose, and mouth) or reasonable probability that contact with a bat occurred.  Any person bitten or scratched by a wild animal should wash the affected area with soap and warm running water.  Report the bite, scratch or exposure to Animal Control at 812-435-6015 as soon as possible.  Go directly to the nearest emergency room to seek medical care.

 

The Health Department also urges residents to watch for unusual or abnormal behavior:

One of the first signs of rabies in an animal is a change in behavior.  A usually calm animal may become aggressive or a very active animal may seem depressed.  Rabid animals can lose their fear of humans, and nocturnal (active at night) animals might be seen during daylight hours.  For example, bats seen during the day, on the ground, or unable to fly are displaying a change in behavior.

 

They also are encouraging pet owners of dogs, cats and ferrets to check with their veterinarian to be sure their pets are current and up to date on their rabies vaccines. If your pet is not current, you are urged to vaccinate immediately.