Clay County well being officers say a rabid bat has been discovered
Public well being officers are warning the group concerning the danger of rabies publicity after a rabid bat was not too long ago discovered within the Kansas Metropolis metro space. Clay County Public Well being issued a information launch Friday saying the bat present in Clay County examined constructive for rabies. The check was confirmed by the Missouri State Public Well being Laboratory. Officers are taking the chance to remind the general public of the chance of rabies publicity from contact with bats. Rabies will be unfold by way of saliva from the chunk or scratch of an contaminated animal. If left untreated, it’s nearly at all times deadly. “It’s essential to recollect to keep away from contact with wild animals, particularly bats and skunks. They’ll carry rabies even when they don’t seem sick,” stated Deputy Director Ashley Wegener. “When you assume you’ve been uncovered to an animal with rabies, search fast medical consideration from a healthcare supplier.” Officers additionally added to ensure all indoor and outside pets are updated on rabies vaccinations, and to not permit pets to run unfastened. Bats, particularly, could not at all times depart a visual chunk mark because of their small enamel. Officers say anybody who has been in touch with bats ought to search medical recommendation. Anybody who sees an animal exhibiting uncommon conduct is urged to contact their native animal management officers. The Clay County Public Well being Heart says 33 animals have examined constructive for rabies in Missouri in 2023.
Public well being officers are warning the group concerning the danger of publicity to rabies after a rabid bat was not too long ago discovered within the Kansas Metropolis metro space.
The Clay County Public Well being Heart issued a information launch Friday stating {that a} bat present in Clay County has examined constructive for rabies.
This check was confirmed by the Missouri State Public Well being Laboratory.
Officers are taking the chance to remind the general public of the dangers of publicity to rabies by way of contact with bats.
Rabies will be unfold by way of saliva from the chunk or scratch of an contaminated animal. If left untreated, it’s typically deadly.
“You will need to keep in mind to keep away from contact with wild animals, particularly bats and skunks. They’ll carry rabies even when they don’t seem to be displaying signs of sickness,” stated Deputy Director Ashley Wegner. “When you consider you will have been uncovered to an animal with rabies, search fast medical consideration from a healthcare supplier.”
Officers additionally added to make sure that all indoor and outside pets are updated on rabies vaccinations, and that pets will not be allowed to flee.
Bats particularly could not at all times depart seen chunk marks due to their small enamel. Officers say anybody who comes into contact with a bat ought to search medical recommendation.
Anybody who sees an animal exhibiting uncommon conduct is urged to contact their native animal management officers.
Clay County Public Well being stated 33 animals examined constructive for rabies in Missouri in 2023.
