EL PASO COUNTY, COLO. -- A wild bat found outside of the Starsmore Discovery Center on Cheyenne Canon Road Monday tested positive for rabies, according to health officials.
El Paso County Public Health officials released the results Thursday. They said there haven't been any reports of people who had come into contact with the bat, and exposure probability was low, but they wanted to get the word out just in case.
People reported seeing a bat flying around in the area and landing on tree trunks over the weekend. Anyone who may have come in contact with it should call (719) 578-3220.
Rabies is a deadly disease but can only be spread by physical contact. Anyone exposed can get medication to prevent infection.
Fewer than one percent of all bats have rabies, but this is the second one found with the disease in the county in 2012.
To avoid exposure to rabies:
- Never touch a wild bat or any other wild animal. A healthy bat likely will not come near enough to be touched, so a bat that is slow, lying on the ground or that lands on a person could be showing signs of illness. If you can touch the animal, chances are it is sick. Children who find a bat should leave it where it is and tell an adult.
- Do not pick up a bat with your hands, even if you’re wearing gloves. Use a shovel and double trash bags.
- If you are bitten by a bat or if you suspect you’ve been exposed to its saliva, try to contain the bat without touching it, and contact your local animal control agency or health department so the bat can be tested.
- Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies.
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