Public health officials recommend that these precautions be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to rabies.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. — Rabid bats have been found in Arapahoe and El Paso counties.
Bats are the first to be found with rabies in each of Colorado’s counties in 2024.
In Arapahoe County, a bat found near Quincy Avenue and Santa Fe Drive in Englewood tested positive. Two people were exposed to the bat and began treatment to prevent infection and illness.
In El Paso County, a bat found at Grant Elementary School in northeast Colorado Springs was also confirmed to have rabies.
El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) said the bat was found on the ground on May 14 and tested positive on May 17. There is no known exposure between the bat and students or school staff.
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal if not treated before symptoms appear.
Last year, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, there were 55 cases of rabies in Colorado, 47 of which were in bats.
“Bats live naturally in our area and can be found anywhere in and around our county,” said Dr. Bernadette Albanese, co-medical director of El Paso County Public Health. “During the summer months, we generally see more cases of rabies among wildlife, particularly bats. With warmer days and people spending more time outdoors, it is possible that people or pets may encounter a bat. Remember a few simple steps to avoid being exposed to rabies: do not interact with or touch any wild animals, teach children not to interact with wild animals, and make sure animals are kept on a leash. »
Exposure to rabies usually results from a bite or scratch from an infected animal, and sometimes it is virtually undetectable, such as a small puncture of the skin by a bat.
Bats and skunks are the most common animal sources of rabies in Colorado. Other wild animals that may carry rabies include raccoons and foxes.
RELATED: All dogs entering US face new restrictions to prevent rabies
Public health tips to reduce the risk of exposure to rabies
- Do not handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. Contact animal control to pick up the animal.
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Teach children to observe wildlife from a distance and to alert an adult if there is a wild animal nearby or if it is bitten or scratched.
- Eliminate food sources for wild animals by not feeding animals outside, closing animal doors (especially at night), and tightly closing trash cans and food bins.
- Make sure your pets, horses and livestock are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
- Maintain control of pets by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and keeping dogs under direct supervision.
- Keep your dog on a leash when hiking.
- Wash any animal wounds thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
- Contact your veterinarian promptly if you suspect your pet has been exposed to a wild animal.
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