Washtenaw County Health Officials Warn Residents of Rabies Dangers after Discovering First Rabid Bat of the Year

Health officials in Washtenaw County have discovered a rabid bat for the first time this year. The bat was found in the 48108 zip code, and the county has tested a total of 13 bats so far. According to Ailen Velazquez, the county epidemiology coordinator, it is not uncommon to see rabid bats in the area, especially during summer and fall months.

Between 2011 and 2023, more than 50 bats have tested positive for rabies in Washtenaw County, along with one horse and eight skunks. A map shows several cases were reported in the Ann Arbor area. As of May 1, seven bats have tested positive for rabies in Michigan this year, with cases reported in Wayne, Lapeer, and St. Clair counties. Residents can report bat exposure and animal bites online for assistance from public health staff.

It is crucial to take precautions against rabies to prevent future incidents. One way to do this is by ensuring all open doors and windows have screens to keep bats out of your home. Checking for small openings, especially in older homes, is also important as bats can enter through holes as small as a dime. If you are bitten or scratched by a stray or wild animal, immediately clean the wound with soap and water before seeking medical attention. Keeping all pets up to date on their rabies vaccines is another key prevention measure recommended by health officials.

In summary, health officials are reminding residents of the importance of taking precautions against rabies after identifying a rabid bat in Washtenaw County’s 48108 zip code for the first time this year. They encourage residents to report any incidents online for assistance from public health staff while emphasizing measures such as keeping doors and windows screened and cleaning wounds promptly after being bitten or scratched by wild animals.