BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. — Three bats found in separate locations in Boulder County recently tested positive for rabies, Boulder County Public Health said in a release.
The bats were found by residents.
Boulder County health officials want to remind people to not have direct contact with wild animals to prevent contracting rabies.
“Exposure to rabies happens most commonly when people or pets interact with wildlife, pick up a bat off the ground or try to remove it from their home or property,” said Carly Wilson, environmental health specialist for Boulder County Public Health. “Finding a bat hanging under the eaves of a house, under a porch overhang or hidden behind shutters or gutters is normal. However, you should not touch them."
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that attacks the nervous system. The disease is nearly always fatal unless treated before symptoms appear, health officials said.
People infected with rabies have to receive a series of vaccinations.
About 15% of bats, on average, that are tested for rabies come back positive for the disease, Boulder County health officials said. Other animals that might carry rabies are foxes, raccoons and skunks.
Residents that find a bat in their home are asked to call non-emergency dispatch and ask for animal control.
Health officials recommend the following precautions be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to rabies:
- Do not handle unfamiliar animals, whether wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. Contact animal control to have the animal collected.
- Thoroughly wash any wound caused by an animal with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
- Keep vaccinations current for all dogs, cats and ferrets. Keep cats and ferrets inside and dogs under direct supervision.
- Contact BCPH or animal control if people or pets have been bitten or exposed to a wild animal.
- If a bat comes into contact with a person or domestic animal, place a container over it and call dispatch so an animal control officer can collect it for rabies testing.