Man in Missouri Bitten by a Rabid Bat

On Wednesday, April 27, a man in St. Louis County, Missouri, was bitten by a bat that later tested positive for rabies.  

The man had seen the bat being attacked by a bird and had tried to rescue the bat, but in the attempt was bitten on his finger. Subsequently, animal control was called and the man attended a local hospital to receive post-exposure rabies treatment. 

The bat was taken to the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory where it was confirmed to be carrying rabies. This was the first confirmed case of rabies in St. Louis County this year.

Do all bats carry rabies? 

Not all bats carry rabies however rabid bats have been found in all US states, except Hawaii. As this case illustrates, if you have contact with a bat there is a chance it could be a rabid bat. You cannot tell if a bat is carrying rabies by looking at it. 

Unless treated, rabies is sadly a fatal disease, and if you develop symptoms – it’s too late. We don’t wish to shock or frighten you but we do want you to be informed of the risks and what you should do.

Protect yourself from rabies

• Avoid contact with wild animals including bats – in this case, exposure to rabies could have been avoided. If you are concerned about a sick or injured animal call animal control or wildlife conservation for assistance. Teach your children not to play with bats or other wild animals.
• If you do have contact with a bat, seek advice immediately from a healthcare professional. If you are wounded, wash the wound as soon as possible with soap and water. Keep in mind that bites or scratches may not stay visible; if you’re not sure whether contact was made, it is best to seek medical advice.  
• Check your pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date.
• Look out for signs a bat colony could be roosting in your home. 
• If you think a bat colony may be roosting in your residential or commercial property contact your local bat removal specialist. 
• Keep yourself informed! For more information check out the articles below:

What to do if You Find a Bat in Your House 2022

Sick Bat Behavior

Your Local Bat Removal Expert,

Michael Koski

Source:

https://www.kfvs12.com/2022/05/02/man-bitten-by-bat-with-rabies-ballwin/