{"id":18451,"date":"2019-09-13T11:11:27","date_gmt":"2019-09-13T17:11:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skyhinews.com\/?p=60150"},"modified":"2019-09-13T11:11:27","modified_gmt":"2019-09-13T17:11:27","slug":"garfield-county-issues-rabies-alert-as-seasonal-bat-activity-increases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/krky\/local-news\/garfield-county-issues-rabies-alert-as-seasonal-bat-activity-increases\/","title":{"rendered":"Garfield County issues rabies alert as seasonal bat activity increases"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A small bat that has strayed into a room and climbs on a white curtain.<\/strong>
Getty Images<\/em><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

A recent increase in bat activity has prompted Garfield County Public Health officials to issue a rabies advisory should people come in contact with the animals.<\/p>\n

There have not been any human cases of rabies in the county or elsewhere in Colorado this year, but the county did have one bat test positive for rabies, according to Carrie Godes, public health specialist for the county.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeveral individuals have received post-exposure treatment, because the bat that they were exposed to was not caught or was untestable,\u201d she said. \u201cIf we cannot confirm whether an animal has rabies, we always treat the individual.\u201d<\/p>\n

During the warmer months, bats can fly into homes if doors or windows are left open, especially at night, increasing the risk of human contact with the animals.<\/p>\n

In the winter, bats will typically hibernate in caves, but can sometimes find refuge in attics.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to encourage people not to touch wildlife,\u201d Danielle Dudley, a nurse with Garfield County Public Health, said in a recent press release issued by the county.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn our region, contact with infected bats is the primary source of rabies,\u201d she said. \u201cIf someone suspects they have been bitten and can safely and properly contain the animal, we can test it for rabies.\u201d<\/p>\n

The release goes on to explain that rabies is a fatal, but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal.<\/p>\n

Statewide, 120 animals \u2014 including bats, skunks, raccoons, dogs, cats and a cow \u2014 have tested positive for the disease this year.<\/p>\n

Public health officials advise that if a person is scratched or bitten by an animal, to wash the wound immediately with soap and water.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn many cases, bat bites may not be visible,\u201d according to the release. \u201cIf you are unsure if you have been bitten, talk to your health care provider about whether you need post-exposure prophylaxis.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rabies in people is 100 percent preventable if treated promptly, according to the release.<\/p>\n

Outside the United States, dogs are the most common source of rabies.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we talk to people traveling to other countries, we discuss the potential risk of rabies from dog bites,\u201d Dudley said. \u201cIn the United States, it is highly recommended that all dogs, cats and ferrets stay up-to-date on their rabies vaccination, even when they are considered indoor pets.\u201d<\/p>\n

To avoid rabies:<\/strong><\/h4>\n