Rabies found in bat in Allegan County

ALLEGAN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A bat in Allegan County has tested positive for rabies.

The Allegan County Health Department released a statement on Friday saying that laboratory tests from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the findings.

No details were released on where or when the animal was found.

Officials are now urging residents to stay away from wild animals such as skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes, and stray cats and dogs. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals and is spread through bites or scratches.

If someone is bit by an animal they should thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water and seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

The Allegan County Health Department has also released tips for “bat proofing” a home:

• Carefully examine your home for holes that might allow bats entry into your living quarters. Caulk any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch. Use window screens, chimney caps, and draft-guards beneath doors to attics, fill electrical and plumbing holes with stainless steel wool or caulking, and ensure that all doors to the outside close tightly.
• Prevent bats from roosting in attics or buildings by covering outside entry points. Find where the bats exit at dusk and keep them from coming back by loosely hanging clear plastic sheeting or bird netting over these areas. Bats can crawl out and leave, but cannot re-enter. When all the bats are gone, the openings can be permanently sealed.

To stay protected against rabies:

• Have pets vaccinated regularly. This will protect them if exposed to animals with the disease and prevent them from becoming ill and infecting humans.
• Do not handle stray, wild, or dead animals.
• Keep pets indoors or supervised to limit their exposure to wild animals that may be rabid.
• Use a leash when walking dogs or keep them in a fenced-in yard.
• Do not feed, or put water for, pets outside.
• Keep garbage securely covered, as these items may attract wild or stray animals.

More information can be found at cdc.gov/rabies.