CALHOUN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Calhoun County Public Health Department says a bat found in the county has tested positive for rabies.
This marks the first rabies-positive bat in the county this year.
The health department says bats are the most common carrier of rabies in Michigan, and exposures are not always obvious. They say rabies is a fatal yet preventable viral disease that can spread to people and pets through bites or scratches from an infected animal.
“Bats found inside the home, particularly in sleeping areas, can present a potential exposure risk even when no bite or scratch is apparent,” said Stephanie Hanchett, Environmental Public Health Operations Coordinator. “We encourage residents to contact CCPHD Environmental Health so we can help evaluate the situation, coordinate testing if appropriate, and provide guidance on next steps.”
If contact with a bat occurs, safely capture the bat for testing and call CCPHD at (269)969-6341 during business hours. After business hours, contact your primary care provider.
For further information, visit www.michigan.gov/Rabies.
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