Bat rabies case confirmed in Washtenaw County

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Washtenaw County officials have confirmed a case of rabies in a bat, the first in two years, the health department announced Wednesday.

The rabid bat was found in the 48108 zip code, which covers part of Ann Arbor north of Michigan Avenue and west of US-23, the county health department said in a release.

Officials did not provide additional details about the case.

They remind residents to report all exposure to bats and animal bites.

"We were enjoying a longer stretch with no rabies-positive animals, but it's not unusual for us to see some rabid bats in the county every year," Ailen Velazquez, epidemiology coordinator for the Washtenaw County Health Department, said in a statement. "We often see more bat encounters in the summer and fall months, so we want to remind everyone to contact the Health Department if you find a bat in your home."

She said the department's health staff is available to help callers determine if there was a risk of rabies exposure.

"This is critical because rabies is almost always fatal if not prevented with post-exposure vaccination," she said.

As of April 26, Washtenaw County officials have tested 23 animals for rabies, 13 of them were bats. Only the one case has tested positive.

In 2022, six animals, all bats, tested positive for rabies, according to the department. No cases were confirmed last year even though 170 animals, including 117 bats, were tested.

To report an animal bite or exposure to rabies in Washtenaw County, submit an online form to the health department at its website.

Any resident in need of immediate assistance between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays should call the department at (734) 544-6700.

cramirez@detroitnews.com

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