Sep. 12-The Lake County General Health District has received information that a bat from Kirtland was recently confirmed to be rabid by the Ohio Department of Health.
Officials noted a Geauga County resident reported that the bat had contact with her and has started treatment.
The incident marks the first rabid bat found in Lake County since 2020, according to ODH - county bat populations had one positive test for the rabies virus in 2017 and 2018.
"While bats are beneficial, as they eat large numbers of flying insects, humans and pets are exposed to rabies when they are either bitten or scratched by an infected animal, or less commonly, when saliva from an infected animal gets into an open wound or mucous membrane," said Bert Mechenbier, the county Health District's environmental health supervisor.
"In the case of a known exposure to a bat or if a bat is discovered in the house while residents are sleeping, the bat should be carefully captured and we can then determine if the bat should be tested," Mechenbier added, noting there is no big rush of rabies coming through the area.
"By no means is this one rabid animal an issue that people need to overreact to."
Mechenbier confirmed the district has sent over 50 specimens to the state this year for rabies testing, 13 of them being bats, in addition to cats, dogs and raccoons for routine testing.
While there is not a widespread need for concern, the general public should take the following precautions, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state, if bitten by a bat or other animal suspected to have the virus:
-Wash the wound right away with soap and water
-Contact a doctor or a local public health official to assess whether treatment is needed
-Call a state or local health department or animal control to help trap the bat for testing. Testing a bat to determine if it is rabid can help to determine whether treatment is required
"Residents should not fear spending time outside, but should be aware and keep their pets nearby," Health Commissioner Ron Graham added.
Additionally, Mechenbier wants to remind residents about the mandatory rabies vaccination law for all dogs, cats and ferrets over four months of age. The requirement also applies to indoor pets because, in some instances, a potentially rabid animal (especially bats) may get into the house.
"As a result, it is important for pet owners to have their pets regularly vaccinated against rabies and always keep the shots up-to-date," Mechenbier explained. "Vaccination protects the pet as well as family members, against the threat of this fatal disease, and keeps the incidence down."
For more information on rabies, visit odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/zoonotic-disease program/diseases/rabies or www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html.
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