ST. CLAIR COUNTY, MI – A person was bitten by a rabid bat in southeast Michigan, health officials say.
The St. Clair County Health Department was notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that a bat found in St. Clair County tested positive for rabies, according to an Oct. 10 news release from the county.
One person was bitten by the bat and is now seeking medical care, the county said.
Rabies is a viral disease of mammals most commonly transmitted by a rabid animal bite or scratch. Most reported cases occur in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.
Around 60 animals test positive for rabies in Michigan every year, with 90% of cases found in bats.
Individuals can reduce the risk of exposure to rabies by avoiding contact with bats and wild animals, keeping rabies vaccinations up to date for pets, and bat-proofing their home, health officials said.
Any direct contact with a bat should be treated as a potential exposure, even if there is no visible bite or scratch, according to the county’s news release.
The St. Clair County Health Department advised anyone who has had contact with a bat or suspected rabid animal to call the department at 810-987-5300 and select option 7.
If it is safe to do so, capture the bat for testing and contact St. Clair County Animal Control at 810-984-3155, the health department said.
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