Rabies can be spread by saliva and the bite might not be felt because a bat’s teeth are small and sharp. A person asleep would not likely be awakened by a bite. Individuals in these situations are advised to receive rabies post exposure treatment. In 2006, 14 people were treated for this kind of exposure and since January 2007, a total of 19 individuals have been treated in Amador County."We assume all bats are rabid unless proven otherwise”, says Hartmann. Health Officials want to test the bat for rabies. If the test is negative for rabies post exposure treatment is unnecessary. What do you do when you find a bat in the room with you?  DON’T LET THE BAT OUT! If a bat is found where it could contact small children or anyone who was asleep, unconscious, or incapacitated, those persons should be considered potentially exposed to rabies.  In this situation, try to keep the bat inside and in sight.  Contact the Animal Control Department at 223-6378 to collect the bat for testing.  If it is not possible to collect the bat for testing, talk to your physician or the Public Health Department at 223-6407 about the exposure to determine if treatment is needed.

This year 20 bats have been tested with 2 positive for rabies. For 2006, 31 bats were tested with 1 positive. If you saw the bat come in, and if you know it has not come into contact with people or pets, help it to escape by opening a door or large window and usher it out with a broom or other long handled object (don’t swat the bat!)  If the bat has no interest in leaving, or if there is no direct route out of doors, you can capture the bat - carefully - in a box, a coffee can, or similar solid container large enough to cover the bat without injury.  Use gloves, slip a sheet of cardboard under the box or can to trap the bat so you can carry it outside for release.  In the United States, an average of 2 to 3 people die from rabies annually. Rabies kills more than 50,000 people and millions of animals around the world each year.  Rabies is a major problem in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.  In the United States, rabies has been reported in every state except Hawaii. Here are some Rabies reminders from the health department:  1. Have your pets vaccinated against rabies. A rabies vaccination shot will help protect your dog or cat from rabies.  2. Do not go near wild animals. Raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats and other wild animals may be infected with rabies and should not be touched. 3. Stay away from stray animals.Cats and dogs that roam outdoors are more likely to be infected with rabies and may bite you.  Do not try to feed or pet them.4. Make sure that your home and yard do not attract wild animals. Keep garbage cans tightly covered.  Do not leave pet food outdoors.  Cap chimneys and seal places where animals can get in and hide. 5.  If you are scratched or bitten by an animal…Wash your wound with lots of soap and water and call your doctor right away. 6. DON’T LET THE BAT OUT! Avoid expensive and unnecessary rabies shots for you and your. Check first to see if testing the bat is advised!  Call Animal Control at 223-6378 or the Health Department at 223-6407