A Southeast Michigan resident is receiving medical treatment after contact with a rabid bat in St. Clair County, state health officials report. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the bat tested positive for rabies on Friday, according to ClickOnDetroit.
The St. Clair County Health Department reported the first rabid bat detected in the county this year, as reported by CBS News Detroit. In Michigan, about 60 animals, mostly bats, are found with rabies each year. Health officials say any direct contact with a bat should be treated as a possible rabies exposure. Rabies is a fatal disease that can be prevented with timely treatment and is spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. People are advised to avoid contact with wildlife, especially bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
If someone may have been exposed to a rabid animal, they should contact their local health department right away. Animal bites must be reported for follow-up. Capturing the animal safely for testing can help. Pet vaccinations against rabies are important, as noted by Detroit Free Press. The St. Clair County Health Department provides information on vaccines and how to report possible exposures.
