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NEWS RELEASE
July 24, 2006 For immediate release
Contact:
Dr. Gayle Miller Dave Volkel
Epidemiologist Environmental Health Services
303-271-5705 303-271-5730
Individuals Who Dropped Off Bat With Rabies May Have
Been Exposed
Jefferson County officials are seeking information about
a man who dropped off a bat at a local veterinary office on Friday
afternoon that has tested positive for rabies.
Dr. Gayle Miller, an epidemiologist with the Jefferson County Department
of Health and Environment, said, "There is concern that the man or other
persons who were in contact with the bat may have been exposed and
possibly infected with rabies. If that is the case, these individuals
need to receive immediate medical treatment.
"Anyone who might have information about this matter is urged to come
forward. Rabies is a serious disease that affects the nervous system and
is fatal if left untreated."
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
laboratory tested the bat over the weekend and reported that it was
positive for rabies.
Rabies treatment should be considered when there is any physical contact
with a bat and when a bite, scratch or contamination of any open wound
or mucous membrane (eye, nose, mouth) cannot be ruled out.
Miller said the bat was discovered in the Southern part of Jefferson
County near Ken Karyl and Platte Canyon Road in Littleton.
According to John Pape, an epidemiologist with the Colorado Department
of Public Health and Environment who is working with the Jefferson
County Health Department, even seemingly minor or insignificant contact
with the bat may be sufficient to transmit the rabies virus.
"We would like to talk with this individual or individuals to insure
anyone that could have been potentially exposed receives preventative
treatment. The treatment is very effective if given early," he said.
To reduce chances of exposure, the public is urged to avoid handling or
having any physical contact with bats. Also, it is important to insure
pets, especially cats, are kept current on their rabies vaccinations.
Although most bats are not infected with rabies, bats that appear ill or
are acting abnormally, or are involved in bites or have been caught by
pets have a greater risk of being rabid.
"Bats provide a great service by reducing the number of insects and
pollinating plants, so the best advice is to leave them alone," said
Pape.
What to do if Bitten and/or Exposed to a Bat: If bitten by a bat, if a
dog or cat has been exposed to a bat, or if you can't eliminate that
possibility (i.e. waking up to find a bat in the bedroom), the bat
should not be released. Safely capture the bat, being certain to avoid
being bitten, and contact the local county health department or animal
control agency to arrange for testing, if needed. Any bite wounds should
be washed thoroughly, and the person should seek medical advice
immediately.
For more information on animal-borne diseases and prevention, please
call the Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment's
Zoonosis Program at 303-271-5730 or 303-271-5755, or visit the
department's Web site at
http://health.jeffco.us
An after-hours number is available for more information at 303-370-9395.
Information also is available on the Department of Health and
Environment's Web site:
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us or Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention at
www.cdc.gov
For more Boulder County information:
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