Carson City health officials want to warn residents about a bat that tested positive for rabies this week.
Officials with Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) say there was no human exposure to the bat and the person who reported it did not have direct contact with it.
Rabies can be fatal in both humans and animals. People can get rabies from the bite of an animal with rabies. It's also possible for people to get it when infected saliva or tissue containing rabies gets into a fresh wound (one that has bled within 24 hours), as well as the eyes, nose or mouth. Most animals can become exposed to rabies by playing with sick bats that are unable to fly.
Activity tends to increase between May and October. Signs of rabies in bats include being active during the day, being found in places they're not usually seen and are unable to fly.
If you think you've been bitten, wash the wound with soap and water for five minutes and seek medical attention immediately. If you think your pet has been bitten, contact local Animal Services immediately.
You can take the following precautions from rabies:
- Maintain current rabies vaccinations on all dogs and cats three (3) months of age and older.
- Confine all pets or keep them on a leash.
- All persons, especially children, are warned to avoid all sick or injured animals.
- All stray or wild animals should be avoided, particularly skunks and bats observed during the day.
- Report animal bat bites or any physical contact with bats (with or without a bite) to your local Animal Services. In Carson City, Nevada Humane Society serves as the local Animal Services and can be reached at (775) 887-2171.
- Report human bat bites and physical contact with bats (with or without a bite) to Carson City Health and Human Services at (775) 887-2190.
