GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — A bat found inside a local residence has tested positive for rabies, according to the Grand Traverse County Health Department.
Per a Sept. 22 news release, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the test after possible human exposure. All people identified as exposed are receiving post-exposure medical care.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually by a bite or scratch. While almost always fatal once symptoms appear, the disease is preventable with prompt medical care and vaccination after exposure.
Health officials urge residents to avoid contact with wild animals, especially bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes, and to keep pets vaccinated against rabies. They recommend sealing openings to prevent bats from entering homes and never handling bats or other wild animals with bare hands. Anyone who finds a bat indoors should not release it but instead safely contain it without direct handling and contact the health department at 231-995-6051.
As of Sept. 18, 33 bats in Michigan have tested positive for rabies, the health department said.