Rabies Prevention Recommendations Issued by Calaveras County Public Health Department

The Calaveras County Public Health Department has issued recommendations to prevent rabies exposure in response to a bat in the Valley Springs area testing positive for rabies. Rabies is caused by a virus that infects mammals. Rabies is spread from contact with the saliva of an infected animal, usually from a bite or scratch. Rabies infection after exposure can be prevented by receiving vaccine. If rabies symptoms develop, the disease is fatal.

Only one to two cases of human rabies occurs in the U.S. each year. Rabies is present in many California counties, including Calaveras. Most rabies occurs in skunks, bats and raccoons. The most common source of human rabies in the U.S. is from bats.

Rabies is rare among bats and other wildlife. Prevention of rabies exposure includes taking precautions for pets and knowing when to seek help if you think you have been bitten.

Dogs and cats can be infected by wildlife. The most effective way to prevent rabies in pet dogs and cats is to keep their rabies vaccination current.  Pets should also be controlled so they do not have contact with wildlife. If you think your pet has been bitten by a bat or other wildlife, contact your veterinarian or the Public Health Department.

People should also avoid contact with wildlife, especially with sick or dead mammals, including bats. “Children should be taught never to touch animals they do not know, even if they seem friendly,” advised Dr. Dean Kelaita, County Health Officer.

Prevent bats from entering your home. If a bat is in your house and you are not sure if the bat has had contact with people or pets, the bat needs to be safely captured and tested. Only a lab test can confirm if a bat has rabies. Call the Public Health Department for assistance.

Wash any wound from an animal bite immediately with soap and water. “The small teeth of a bat can make a bite hard to find, so call for assistance if a bat is found in a room with an unattended child, a disabled person or an intoxicated person,” said Dr. Kelaita.

The Public Health Department can be reached at 754-6460. Additional information about rabies is available at www.calaveraspublichealth.com.