Westminster apartment residents who touched rabid bat advised to call health department immediately – The Denver Post
A bat found Tuesday at an apartment complex in Westminster tested positive for rabies, and anyone who had contact with it should immediately call a doctor and the state health department.
The injured bat was discovered when a group of about 16 children were playing with it outside Hidden Lake Apartments at West 68th Avenue and Lowell Boulevard. The state lab confirmed it had rabies on Thursday.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment advised anyone who touched the bat to call their medical provider, and the health department’s epidemiology office, at 303-692-2700.
Only 20 people are known to have survived rabies after clinical symptoms developed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so it’s important for anyone who was exposed to seek treatment as soon as possible. People who have been exposed need to receive one dose of antibodies and four rabies vaccines over a 14-day period.
Typically, rabies spreads through bites, but any contact with the bat’s saliva could transmit the virus, according to the state health department. Bats have small teeth, so some people may not realize they were bitten.
To prevent rabies:
- Avoid all stray or wild animals, and teach your children to do the same.
- Vaccinate your pets and livestock, and don’t allow pets to wander.
- Don’t pick up a bat with your hands, even if you’re wearing gloves. If you must move a bat, use a shovel.
- If you’re bitten or scratched by a pet or other animal, wash the wound and call your doctor.
- If you discover a bat in a room where you were sleeping, call your doctor and wildlife control. Use screens on any open windows to avoid inviting bats in.
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