ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo — Rabid bats have been found in Arapahoe and El Paso counties.
The bats are the first to be discovered with rabies in each of the Colorado counties in 2024.
In Arapahoe County, a bat found near Quincy Avenue and Santa Fe Drive in Englewood tested positive. Two people were exposed to the bat and have begun treatment to prevent infection and illness.
In El Paso County, a bat found at Grant Elementary School in northeast Colorado Springs has also been confirmed to have rabies.
El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) said the bat was found on the ground May 14 and tested positive May 17. There are no known exposures between the bat and any students or staff at the school.
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal unless it is treated before symptoms appear.
Last year, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, there were 55 cases of rabies in Colorado, and 47 of those were in bats.
“Bats naturally live in our region and can be found anywhere in and around our county,” said Dr. Bernadette Albanese, co-medical director of El Paso County Public Health. “During the summer months, we typically see more cases of rabies among wildlife, including bats. With the warmer days and folks spending more time outdoors, it’s possible for people or pets to encounter a bat. Remember a few simple steps to prevent being exposed to rabies: do not interact or touch any wild animal, teach children not to interact with wild animals, and make sure pets are on a leash.”
Exposure to rabies is generally the result of a bite or scratch by an infected animal, and it is sometimes practically undetectable, such as a tiny puncture of the skin by a bat.
Bats and skunks are the most common animal sources of rabies in Colorado. Other wild animals that may carry rabies include raccoons and foxes.
Public health tips to reduce chances of exposure to rabies
- Do not handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. Contact animal control to collect the animal.
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Teach children to observe wildlife from a distance and to notify an adult if there is a wild animal in the area or if they are bitten or scratched.
- Eliminate food sources for wild animals by not feeding pets outdoors, closing pet doors (especially at night), and tightly closing garbage cans and feed bins.
- Ensure that your pets, horses and livestock are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
- Maintain control of pets by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and keeping dogs under direct supervision.
- Keep your dog on a leash while hiking.
- Thoroughly wash any wound caused by an animal with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
- Contact your veterinarian promptly if you believe your pet has been exposed to a wild animal.
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