Avoiding
Possible Exposure to Rabies and Wild Animals
Toledo Lucas County Health
Department officials are reminding residents that bats
become active during this time of year, which means the
possibility of exposure to rabies is increasing. A bat
tested positive for rabies in East Toledo this week and was
the first in Lucas County for 2018.
Rabies is a virus that
affects the nervous system in humans and other mammals. A
person may contract rabies through a bite, scratch, or
saliva from an infected animal. A bat bite or scratch may
not be seen or even felt by the injured person due to the
small size of its teeth or claws. A potential rabies
exposure should never be taken lightly. If untreated, rabies
is fatal.
Animals do not have to be
aggressive or behaving erratically to have rabies. Changes
in any animal’s normal behavior can be early signs of
rabies. Bats that are on the ground, unable to fly, or
active during the day are more likely than others to be
rabid. Such bats are often easily approached but should
never be handled.
Recommendations to help
prevent the spread of rabies:
1.
If a bat is in your home, do not release the bat outdoors
until after speaking with animal control or public health
officials. It may be possible to test the bat and avoid the
need to receive rabies treatment. 2. Teach children never
to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they
appear friendly. 3. Keep vaccinations up-to-date for all
dogs, cats, ferrets and other animals you own
Ohio Administrative Code
3701-3-28 states: “Whenever a person is bitten by a dog or
other animal, report of such bite shall be made within 24
hours to the health commissioner of the district in which
such bite occurred.” Please call the Health Department at
419-213-4100 option 3 to report a bite or with additional
questions.
For additional resources
on animal bites and rabies, please visit:
http://www.lucascountyhealth.com/community-health/animal-bites/
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