Rabies Infested-Bat found in Genesee County

Bats are an interesting mammal. They sleep all night, hanging upside-down. They squeal and most people don't care for them, especially if they get into your home or garage. To me, they're nothing more than rats with wings with razor sharp teeth.

The Genesee County Health Department has confirmed the first case this year of a bat found in Fenton that tested positive for rabies.  The chance of catching rabies increases this time of year throughout the state of Michigan. Everyone is being urged to protect themselves from this potentially deadly virus. The health department says you should avoid any contact with wild, stray or dead animals since they pose the highest risk of spreading the virus.

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Rabies is a serious virus that affects the central nervous system and if left untreated, can be deadly. In the US, nearly a million people end up being infected annually.

If you think you or someone you know has contracted the rabies virus, contact your health provider and your local health department, immediately. Time is of the essence here. Do not wait. Both you and the animal that bit you should be tested but never try to trap an animal on your own - the health department will assist here.

Unfortunately, around 60,000 humans die every year from Rabies from bat encounters. Another 55,000 people seek rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, which prevents the disease from developing.

Now, the good news is that the bat with rabies in Fenton is dead and no longer poses a risk to the general public. Just be careful and know what you need to do if you suspect you've been infected!