(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — A bat found in Colorado Springs has tested positive for rabies, making it the first animal to test positive for the disease in El Paso County this year.
According to El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH), human contact with the bat was reported on Saturday, Aug. 2, and the bat was promptly sent for testing. On Tuesday, Aug. 5, tests confirmed that the bat had rabies. EPCPH confirmed that the person who touched the bat is receiving appropriate treatment to prevent rabies.
Rabies is a virus that generally infects wild mammals, such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. The virus is spread to people or pets most often by a bite from a rabid animal. Rabies infection affects the brain, causing brain swelling and damage, and is fatal once symptoms appear.
“Adults, and especially children, who see a sick or injured animal may naturally want to help,” said Dr. Bernadette Albanese, co-medical director of EPCPH. “It’s important not to touch wild animals and to warn children of the dangers of wildlife encounters. Animals that are sick or injured should be reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The public should be particularly cautious in the summer months when people spend more time outdoors.”
Human exposure to a rabies-infected animal is rare. EPCPH reminds the public to follow simple steps to prevent being exposed to rabies, by avoiding contact with any wild animal, teaching children not to interact with wild animals, and keeping pets on a leash.
How to recognize sick wildlife:
- Healthy wild animals are normally afraid of humans. Sick animals may not run away when spotted by people.
- Wildlife suffering from rabies will often act aggressively and violently approach people or pets.
- However, sometimes rabid animals are overly quiet and passive and want to hide. If they are hiding, leave them alone. Rabid wildlife might also stumble or have trouble walking.
- Sick or diseased wildlife should be reported to CPW at (719) 227-5200.
When to seek medical attention:
- If you’ve been in contact with any wild animal, particularly if you’ve been bitten or scratched, you should promptly talk with a health care or public health professional to determine your risk for rabies or other illnesses.
- Wash any wounds immediately with soap and water and then contact your health care provider and report the bite on El Paso County Public Health’s website.
- It’s important to know that bats have very small teeth which may leave marks that disappear quickly. If you have any kind of physical encounter with a bat, seek medical advice and report to Public Health to be safe.
Animals testing positive for rabies in El Paso County by year:
- 2024: 6 (bats)
- 2023: 2 (bats)
- 2022: 4 (bats)
- 2021: 7 (3 bats, 3 skunks, 1 cat)
- 2020: 10 (5 bats, 4 skunks, 1 sheep)
- 2019: 16 (9 skunks, 5 bats, 1 fox, 1 dog)