3 cases of rabies in bats confirmed Utah Authorities, Check Precautions
The first three bat rabies cases of the summer in Utah have been confirmed, putting many people and animals at risk.
According to a statement released by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), “the humans received preventive vaccines and the dogs received boosters and a 45-day home quarantine because they were up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.”
With the verified instances, the government is issuing a caution about the risk of rabies exposure.
“If you find yourself near a bat, dead or alive, do not touch, hit, or destroy it and do not try to remove it yourself,” said Hannah Rettler, an epidemiologist with DHHS.
A bite or scratch from any animal afflicted with rabies can transmit it.
They also warn that if an unvaccinated pet is exposed to rabies, the two alternatives are four-month professional isolation at your cost or death.
“Keeping your pet current on its rabies vaccines is the most important and affordable way to protect you and your pet from rabies,” the agency says.
In addition to vaccination your dogs, follow these measures to help lower your chance for having rabies.
Keep your dogs indoors and oversee them when outside.
Call your local animal control officers to report stray dogs and cats.
Keep your distance from wild creatures. Stay away from any animal that looks fearless or hostile. If you witness a wild animal acting suspiciously, report it to the nearest local Utah Division of Wildlife Resources office or animal control agency.
Keep bats out of your home. Seal any crevices and openings where bats can enter your property.
If you are going to be in a region where rabies is prevalent, you might want to be vaccinated before you go. Talk to your doctor or a travel clinic about getting the rabies vaccine.
In the event that you or your pet have been bitten by a wild animal, the Utah Public Health Laboratory can perform rabies testing on the animal if necessary.
All animal bites, whether from pets or wild animals, require prompt medical attention and thorough cleansing with soap and water.
Aggression, unprovoked attacks, foaming at the mouth, loss of appetite, staggering, and even paralysis are all symptoms of rabies in animals.