Image
Body
The Waushara County Health Department reports that a bat has tested positive for the rabies virus. It is transmitted from infected mammals to humans (typically via a bite) and is invariably fatal once symptoms appear. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, in Wisconsin skunks and bats are by far the most likely animals to carry the rabies virus, although rabies also has occurred sporadically in dogs, cats, foxes, raccoons, and livestock.
Rabies is contracted by exposure to a rabid animal. The exposure is nearly always through a bite, but rabies can also be transmitted if a rabid animal scratches a person or its saliva is exposed to broken skin. If a person has had any physical contact with a bat and possibility of a bite or scratch cannot be ruled out, rabies preventive treatment may be necessary.
The early symptoms of rabies can include: Irritability, headache, fever, double vision and itching or pain at the exposure site.
The disease eventually progresses to spasms of the throat and the muscles used for breathing, convulsions, delirium, paralysis and death. It is important to note that by the time any symptoms may appear, rabies cannot be successfully treated.
Ways to prevent the spread of rabies:
• Ensure all pet dogs, cats, ferrets and livestock are vaccinated against rabies.
• Stay away from all wild animals, especially those acting abnormally.
• Do not keep exotic or wild animals as pets, regardless of how young or cute they may be.
• Exclude bats from inside living quarters by keeping screens in good repair and closing up any small openings that could allow them to enter.
• Teach children not to approach any unfamiliar animals.
If you are bitten or scratched, follow these steps:
• Promptly clean the bite wound with liberal amounts of soap and water.
• Contact your physician or go to the local emergency room.
If the animal involved can be safely captured without further injury, hold the animal until the local health department can be consulted. The brain of the animal captured needs to be in good condition for testing, so do not smash the head.
Contact Waushara County Health Department for more education on rabies prevention. Information on rabies can also be found at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/rabies/index.htm.
Rabies is contracted by exposure to a rabid animal. The exposure is nearly always through a bite, but rabies can also be transmitted if a rabid animal scratches a person or its saliva is exposed to broken skin. If a person has had any physical contact with a bat and possibility of a bite or scratch cannot be ruled out, rabies preventive treatment may be necessary.
The early symptoms of rabies can include: Irritability, headache, fever, double vision and itching or pain at the exposure site.
The disease eventually progresses to spasms of the throat and the muscles used for breathing, convulsions, delirium, paralysis and death. It is important to note that by the time any symptoms may appear, rabies cannot be successfully treated.
Ways to prevent the spread of rabies:
• Ensure all pet dogs, cats, ferrets and livestock are vaccinated against rabies.
• Stay away from all wild animals, especially those acting abnormally.
• Do not keep exotic or wild animals as pets, regardless of how young or cute they may be.
• Exclude bats from inside living quarters by keeping screens in good repair and closing up any small openings that could allow them to enter.
• Teach children not to approach any unfamiliar animals.
If you are bitten or scratched, follow these steps:
• Promptly clean the bite wound with liberal amounts of soap and water.
• Contact your physician or go to the local emergency room.
If the animal involved can be safely captured without further injury, hold the animal until the local health department can be consulted. The brain of the animal captured needs to be in good condition for testing, so do not smash the head.
Contact Waushara County Health Department for more education on rabies prevention. Information on rabies can also be found at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/rabies/index.htm.