Currently, one to three human cases are reported per year according to the Center for Disease Control.  An Amador County man died from a bat strain of rabies seven years ago.  The main prevention methods used in this country are pet vaccination and animal control measures.  “It is important that people and pets avoid contact with wild animals.  In our area bats and skunks are the animals most frequently infected,” according to Hartmann. If a person is bitten by a bat, skunk, or other wild animal, they may require post exposure prophylaxis (rabies shots) unless the animal can be tested. 

Rabies shots can prevent the illness and are very effective. “This time of year we get calls almost daily about bats in houses”, says Lori Jagoda, Amador County Public Health Nurse.  “This situation may lead to rabies exposure so we need to know about it”.Bats have small, sharp teeth and their bite might not be felt.  Most people know if they are bitten but under certain circumstances they might not be able to tell.  These include waking up and finding a bat in your bedroom or a bat in a room with an unattended child. If that happens, safely capture the bat for testing or call Animal Control for advice.  Do not let the bat out if there is a chance that humans were exposed.  “Ja-go-da says This year we’ve had to recommend rabies shots for 18 people because of possible bat exposures,”  “Hartman says On World Rabies Day we would like to thank them all.  We’ve come a long way in the last century,”  

Here’s some practical Rabies Prevention Recommendations from the public health department• Vaccinate dogs, cats & livestock against rabies.   •  If a bat gets into your house, do not let it out unless you are sure there has been no exposure.•   Bat proof your house in the fall or winter• Avoid human and pet exposure to wildlife. Call Animal Control at 223-6378, Public Health at 223-6407 or your veterinarian for more information.

 For further information: www.worldrabiesday.org, www.cdc.gov/rabies, www.batcon.org, www.co.amador.ca.us