RIVERSIDE, CA — Health officials are notifying the public about a rise in the number of rabies-carrying bats in Riverside County, urging residents to avoid contact with the animals.
So far, 18 rabid bats have been found across the county this year — up from 15 reported by the Riverside University Health System last year.
Public health officials issued an advisory Wednesday, warning residents that bat bites are to be taken extremely seriously, RUHS said.
“Rabies is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms appear. While rabies is extremely rare in humans in California, exposure through bat bites is a serious concern,” said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky. “Bites from a bat can be painless and may not leave marks, so it’s important to seek immediate care if you awaken to a bat in your home.”
Bats are the most common carriers of rabies in California.
To prevent or reduce risk of a rabies infection, residents should do the following:
- Never pick up or touch a bat.
- Vaccinate pets against rabies.
- Report possible exposures to animal control or Public Health.
- Safety proof homes by sealing gaps and openings that could allow bats inside.
- Avoid contact with bats and other wild animals (skunks, racoons, foxes and coyotes).
If you have interacted with a bat, wash the area immediately with soap and water and seek medical care right away, the county said. Medical professionals would assess for post-exposure vaccination.
About 100,000 Americans receive rabies vaccinations each year after potential exposures, according to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.
“If a pet contracts rabies, it can take a few days or several months for signs to appear,” said Dr. Amy Raines, Riverside County Department of Animal Services Chief Veterinarian. “Never feed or touch wild animals, and make sure pets are protected when outdoors. The best prevention for pets is rabies vaccination, which helps protect pets and the people who love them.”
Symptoms of rabies in dogs and cats can include the following:
- Increased aggression, irritability, or lethargy/unresponsiveness
- Mild fever
- Difficulty walking or lack of coordination
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth due to difficulty swallowing
- Paralysis in the throat or jaw, making it difficult to eat or drink
In Riverside County, all dogs are required to be vaccinated against rabies, which should start at 4 months of age, with regular boosters throughout their life.
Questions about rabies or local resources? Call RUHS–PH Disease Control at 951-358-5107.
First Appeared on
Source link
