Bat in Emmet County Positive for Rabies

bat (photo from Michigan Field Guide)

compiled from several sources, primarily the Michigan Health Department

A bat in Emmet County, Michigan, has tested positive for rabies. This comes hard on the heels of a boy who died of rabies in an exposure from a bat in Ontario, Canada. The fatal encounter was the result of a bat landing on the boy's face. There did not appear to be any broken skin, but no medical attention was sought, and although rabies can be stopped from developing with prompt treatment, once the disease develops, it is almost always fatal.

There have been no human cases of rabies associated with the Emmet County incident.

“Typically, less than 1% of wild bats in Michigan carry rabies,” says Dr. Josh Meyerson, Health Department of Northwest Michigan Medical Director. “While the infection rate is low, bats are the primary source of rabies in the state, making up about 90% of all reported animal rabies cases. If you believe you or a family member may have been exposed to a bat, it's important to have the bat tested whenever possible. Prompt testing can help determine whether preventive treatment is needed.”

Bat bites and scratches can be small and difficult to detect, and an exposure may have occurred if a bat is found:
• In a room with a sleeping person
• Near an unsupervised child
• With a person who is mentally impaired or intoxicated
• In direct contact with a pet or person

If any of these situations occur, do not release the bat. Keeping the bat for testing may prevent unnecessary rabies treatment. Although rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, it is entirely preventable with prompt medical care after an exposure.

See Health Department pdf concerning bat exposures


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