A US city remains on high alert after a health boss warned of an invasion of rabies-plagued bats.
The disease-ridden critters could unknowingly chomp on sleeping residents with their very small but sharp teeth, he added.
Another rabid bat has been found – the fourth one so far in KentuckyCredit: WKYT
Rabid animal placards have been placed to warn residents of the potentially fatal diseaseCredit: WKYT
Locals have been told to remain vigilant after a rabid bat was discovered in the basement of a home in Lexington, Kentucky.
It’s the fourth animal with confirmed rabies in Kentucky, reported CBS-affiliated WKYT .
Rabies affects the brain and central nervous system, and causes encephalitis in infected patients. Death usually occurs within two weeks of symptoms starting – such as fever and fatigue.
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD) confirmed the rabies-afflicted creature in a press release yesterday.
“Residents who believe they or their pets may have had contact with any animal acting abnormally are urged to contact the health department immediately,” the department said.
The risk is that people could unknowingly be bitten if bats fly into their homes at night.
“Bats – their little teeth are so sharp – you can be asleep,” said Steve Davis, medical director of LFCHD.
“A bat can land on your arm, land anywhere, bite you. You have absolutely no idea that you’ve been bitten.”
Steve Davis, medical director of LFCHD, spoke to WKYT about the confirmed rabid animalCredit: WKYT
The rabid bat was discovered in a home in the Seven Parks/Elizabeth Street Area (40503) of Lexington.
“There was a bat found in the basement by a family,” said Davis.
One resident is undergoing treatment after being attacked by the bat.
LFCHD’s Epidemiology and Environmental Health officials have contacted the person identified in the recent bite report to ensure they receive appropriate follow-up care.
“And of course after they found the bat, they knew that next steps had to be taken, which is very important,” added Davis.
Bats are one of the biggest carriers of rabies in Kentucky along with skunks, foxes and raccoons.
Rabies: symptoms and precautions
Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease
Transmission can occur through a bite or through contact with an infected animal’s saliva via the eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound.
Bats have very small teeth, and a bite mark may not always be visible.
If you are unsure whether you were exposed, seek immediate health guidance.
Symptoms include: fatigue, fever, headaches, anxiety, unusual or unexplained tingling, pricking or burning sensations at the wound site.
The illness then progresses to include: paralysis, delirium (sudden confusion and changes in behaviour), difficulty swallowing, seizures.
“An extremely small percentage of bats carry the rabies virus, probably less than 1%,” Davis said.
“However, if we can make contact with a bat, let’s be vigilant and go through the right process.”
The health boss added that wild animals which approach people without fear, or bats spotted lying on the ground are red flags to seek immediate help.
He also urged residents not to go near any possible rabid wild animal – and definitely don’t touch them.
“Let’s get our pets vaccinated and stay away from wild animals. And if you see a bat in your house, don’t shoo it away, get hold of us!”
The US city of Lexington is on high alert as a result of the threat after a resident was bitten when a bat entered the basementCredit: WKYT
Multiple bats have been discovered with rabies in Kentucky, said officialsCredit: WKYT
Signs have been placed throughout the neighborhood to warn of the presence of rabies-afflicted wild animals.
They also urging pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats to protect them from the deadly disease.
“A rabid bat has been reported in the Seven Parks/Elizabeth Street area,” the rabid animal placards said.
“Please take precautions with outdoor pets, wild animals or any animal acting abnormally.
“Make sure that your pets are current on their rabies vaccinations. If your pet is not current, vaccinate immediately.”
It is the latest in a string of attacks involving rabid bats in the US, including:
- An while sitting on her porch
- A man from after declining treatment despite waking up to find a bat biting his neck
- About 200 zoo visitors were feared to have been exposed to rabies-riddled bats during an overnight
- and her kids had to get rabies shots after her Delaware home was infested with bats
- A Massachusetts woman was left with tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills after a bat flew into her mouth while she was taking pics of the night sky
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
