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   A local bat has tested positive for rabies. It was sent for testing on May 19. This is the first bat to test positive for rabies in St. Louis County this year. The event serves as a reminder that residents should always be cautious around wildlife.

“Residents need to be aware that area bats have awoken from hibernation,” said Dr. Faisal Khan, director of the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health. “It is extremely important that residents not try to handle or interact with these wild animals because some of them do carry rabies.”

People are urged to be aware of and cautious around all wildlife, especially bats, and to avoid direct contact with any animal that is behaving strangely. Children should be taught to stay a safe distance away from any unknown animals, including unknown pets

Residents should check their pets’ immunization records. Because rabies can be readily passed from wild animals to domestic pets, the first line of defense is to make sure all cats and dogs are properly vaccinated, as required by county ordinance.

Once the symptoms of rabies start, there is no cure and the disease is almost always fatal. There is treatment available if it can be started before any symptoms begin.

Any county resident who encounters a bat in their home, alive or dead, is urged to call the public health department immediately. Residents should not attempt to capture a live bat but should confine it to the room where it was discovered so that animal control officers can collect it for possible rabies testing.

Never release a bat found in a home if it was present while people were sleeping or in the same room with anyone who is not able to describe the extent of their exposure.

To report a bat, call Saint Louis County Animal Care and Control at 314-615-0650. For after business hours, call 636-529-8210.

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