MOLALLA, Ore. (KATU) — Health officials are warning the public after a bat tested positive for rabies in Clackamas County.
A resident in Molalla had to receive treatment after coming into contact with a big brown bat in their home, a Clackamas County official said. The bat was later captured and tested at the Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Those tests came back positive for rabies.
“Rabies is a deadly illness that can be prevented with treatment immediately after someone is exposed. But we would rather prevent exposures in the first place, and you can do that by taking simple precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your pets,” Clackamas County Health Officer Dr. Sarah Present.
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Interactions with bats are more common during the summer months, officials said. Bats are the main animal concern for rabies in the state.
Clackamas County averages one rabid bat per year, according to Present.
“We get a number of calls about potential exposure to bats, and potential rabies exposure. And we test many bats that are captured. Most of them don’t have it,” said Parent.
If you are scratched or bitten by a bat, officials recommend that you immediately wash the affected area with soap and running water for at least five minutes and seek medical attention.
County residents are also urged to contact the Clackamas County Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Program at 503-655-8411 to report the encounter.
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