The Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency is cautioning county residents to protect themselves from rabies, a viral disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
Rabies is spread through a bite from an infected animal but can also be spread from the saliva of an infected animal touching a person’s eyes, mouth or open cut.
“We want everyone to be aware that we have cases of bats infected with rabies in our county and to know how to report suspected bat bites to prevent human cases,” said Carrie Monteiro, HHSA public information officer.
So far, five bats have tested positive for rabies in Tulare County, Monteiro said. One case tested positive in February, but the four other cases have been reported since that time.
“There have been no human cases, but Tulare County Public Health would like to remind residents and emphasize the importance of notifying their local animal control and Tulare County Public Health Communicable Disease Program if there is suspected contact or bite from a bat,” she added.
To report a suspected bat bite, call Tulare County Public Health Communicable Disease Program at (559) 685-5720.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: 5 bats test positive for rabies in Tulare County. Health officials urge caution
Reporting by Steve Pastis, Visalia Times-Delta / Visalia Times-Delta
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
