Wake County Health Officials Issue Rabies Notice for Wake County Residents


8/23/2007

Anyone bitten or scratched by unknown animals should immediately call Community Health at 250-4462.

A bat found in a Wake County home tested positive for rabies today (August 23), and two people may have been exposed to the virus. Although neither person was injured, both will need to receive post-exposure rabies vaccinations.

"We don't want to alarm residents in Wake County, but they should be aware of this case and of the potential for exposure to themselves, family members and their pets," said Gibbie Harris, Wake County Community Health director.

"Anyone who finds a bat inside their home should call their local animal control office and our clinic immediately. Our nurses will be able to assess if they need to seek medical treatment," said Harris.

If a person is bitten or scratched by a bat, they should thoroughly clean the wound with soap and warm water and contact their physician or Wake County Community Health immediately. The daytime phone number for Wake County Community Health is 919-250-4462; the after-hours number is 919-839-3059.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most of the recent human rabies cases in the United states have been caused by rabies virus from bats. Wake County Animal Control officials urge the following:

  • Prevent bats from entering your home by sealing up any points of entry.
  • Do not try to catch bats, inside your home or outdoors.
  • Call your local animal control office to remove bats from enclosed areas.
  • Do not approach wildlife, especially during the daytime.

Ensure your pet has a current rabies vaccination. If a pet is allowed outside, a booster vaccine is recommended. Outdoor pets should be kept inside until they receive booster vaccines.

"We want to stress the importance of contacting Animal Control and Community Health if you find a bat inside your house" said Michael Williams, Director of Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption. "The best action you can take is to isolate the animal in a separate room, keep your family away from it and call animal control for assistance."

To report animal complaints and stray animals:

  • In Wake County (except Cary, Garner, Holly Springs and Raleigh), call 919-212-PETS (7387)
  • In Cary, call 919-319-4517
  • In Garner, call 919-772-8896
  • In Holly Springs, call 919-557-9111
  • In Raleigh, call 919-831-6311

More information on rabies may be found online through the N.C. Division of Public Health (www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/rabies.html) or through the National Center for Infectious Diseases(www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies).

 



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