By The St. Clair County Health Department
The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) was notified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that a bat found in St. Clair County has tested positive for rabies. One individual who was bitten by the bat has been identified and referred for appropriate medical treatment.
Each year, approximately 60 animals in Michigan test positive for rabies—about 90% of those are bats. It’s important to know the facts about how to protect yourself and your pets.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a deadly but preventable virus that spreads through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. In the U.S., it is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
Avoiding Exposure
- Avoid contact with bats and wild animals.
- Any direct contact with a bat should be treated as a potential exposure, even if there is no visible bite or scratch.
If You’ve Had Contact with a Bat or Suspect Animal:
- Call the St. Clair County Health Department immediately at (810) 987-5300 (select option 7).
- Do not release the bat. If safe to do so, capture the bat for testing and contact St. Clair County Animal Control at (810) 984-3155.
- All animal bites must be reported to the Health Department and Animal Control, as required by state law.
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Protect Your Pets
- Ensure pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
- If your pet may have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance.
For information regarding rabies or to report a potential exposure, contact the St. Clair County Health Department’s Communicable Disease Program at (810) 987-5300 (option 7), and St. Clair County Animal Control at (810) 984-3155.