Clark County Public Health says use caution around bats

For most of us, the long days of summer mean enjoying more sunshine than we can in winter. The same goes for bats, who use the critical time to build up the thick layers of body fat they need to survive winter hibernation.

While the flying mammals may be fascinating to observe, local health officials warn residents to avoid touching bats because they can carry the fatal viral disease rabies.

Clark County Public Health Director Dr. Alan Melnick said during a Board of Health meeting Wednesday that while not all bats carry the disease, people should assume they do and be cautious if near one.

“You can get exposed if you’re bitten or scratched by a bat,” Melnick said. “Bare skin contact with an infected bat or its saliva, it’s possible to get infected. If you’re unsure if you’ve been exposed to a bat, you need to call us and we can help determine, along with the bat testing, whether you might need post-exposure prophylaxis in vaccination.”

Three bats have tested positive for rabies in Washington this year, none in Clark County, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

Rabies can be spread to people and pets through the bites and scratches of an infected animal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The fatal disease primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start.

Once clinical signs of rabies appear, such as flu-like symptoms or discomfort at the site of the bite, the disease is nearly always fatal.

Bats can indicate they are rabid by displaying unusual behaviors such as being active during the day, occupying unusual places like inside a home or on the ground, being unable to fly, and allowing someone to approach them, as they usually avoid humans, according to the CDC.

Anyone bitten or scratched by a bat should seek medical attention immediately. If someone is in close contact with a bat, call Clark County Public Health at 564-397-8182. Staff will help determine whether any people or pets may have been exposed and can arrange to test the bat for rabies, if needed.

If instructed to capture a bat, follow instructions for safely capturing bats for rabies testing.

Contact a veterinarian if you think your pet has had exposure to a bat. The vet can help evaluate the exposure and your pet’s rabies vaccination status.

“You need to assume that all bats are potentially rabid,” Melnick said.