A rabies-infected bat was discovered in a tiny Michigan county, which prompted the local health authorities to warn the public about the risks associated with both bat bites and animals in general. As like the arrival of spring could be any crazier.
At least 300,000 people live in Washtenaw County. Until Monday, when they determined there was a rabies-positive bat among them, the county had been “enjoying a longer stretch” without any rabies-positive animals. A rabies-infected bat was last observed in the area in 2022.
As stated in a news alert, Ailen Velazquez, the county health department’s epidemiology coordinator, “but it’s not unusual for us to see some rabid bats in the county every year. We often see more bat encounters in the summer and fall months, so we want to remind everyone to contact us if you find a bat in your home.”
Rabies is “more likely to be transmitted to humans and pets during the spring and summer due to an increase in outdoor activities,” thus those outside of Michigan are also at danger.
All mammals are susceptible to the viral illness, which can be fatal to those who have it and don’t get the help they need.
As the months get warmer, here’s everything you should know about rabies, including symptoms to look out for.
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What is the rabies virus?
It is a viral illness that is typically spread from animal to animal or from animal to human by the bite or scratch of a mad animal. in particular, close contact with mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, or eyes, broken skin, or saliva.
Direct contact with brain or nervous system tissue from an infected animal can also spread it. Contact with a rabid animal’s blood, urine, or excrement does not present a known risk of infection.
All mammals have central nervous system infection from the rabies virus, which leads to brain damage and ultimately death. Yet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that it is entirely avoidable with the right immunizations and medical attention after exposure.
At least in the United States, rabies is primarily found in wild animals like foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, dogs in other nations are still carriers of rabies, and dog bites account for the majority of rabies deaths worldwide.
Typical Signs of Rabies
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, just one or two human cases of rabies are documented annually.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises those who work with animals that may be infected or who may be visiting isolated regions of nations where there is a large stray dog population to get vaccinated against rabies.
After exposure, there is an incubation period during which the virus enters the brain. The length of the incubation period varies, ranging from weeks to months, and is contingent upon the kind of rabies virus, the site of exposure on the body, and any preexisting immunity.
The symptoms of rabies resemble those of the flu that you may be experiencing. This includes headaches, fever, and weakness or pain. Additionally, you may get a prickling or itching sensation at the bite site for several days.
As time goes on, the symptoms worsen and escalate, including strange behavior, hallucinations, anxiety, disorientation, agitation, delirium, brain dysfunction, and sleeplessness.
Less than 20 cases of human survival from rabies have been documented, according to the CDC, and the disease is almost usually fatal once clinical symptoms manifest. If you think that you or a known animal may have rabies, it’s critical that you get medical help right once.
