Racine County bat tests positive for rabies

May 26—STURTEVANT — A bat that was found in a rural area of Racine County has been determined to have rabies.

The Racine County Public Health Division said that all animals that might have had contact with the bat have been quarantined and vaccinated as appropriate.

RCPHD did not specify what kind of bat tested positive for rabies.

While rabies is rare in the United States, it remains a concern to public health officials because several million people are bitten by animals each year.

Rabies is commonly found in bats and other wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes and skunks.

The rabies virus is usually transmitted through saliva or brain/nervous system tissue. Humans can only get rabies by coming into contact with these specific bodily fluids and tissues.

Without proper treatment, rabies can be fatal.

Those who have been bitten or scratched by an animal should wash the wound immediately with soap and water, and contact a doctor or public health department during business hours, or 911 after hours.

To help prevent the spread of rabies, RCPHD offers the following reminders:

— Keep pet vaccinations up-to-date and keep records of when pets were vaccinated.

— Do not keep wild or exotic animals as pets.

— Do not handle wild animals.

— Teach children not to approach strange animals, including other people's pets.

— Any exposure (bite or non-bite) to bats should be discussed as soon as possible with a doctor and reported to the health department.

— If a pet has been in a fight with a wild animal, contact a veterinarian and the health department.

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