Health department confirms rabid bat bit person in midtown Savannah
Officials say the bat was found on 31st Street near Abercorn Street.
Above file video: Rabid bats found in SavannahDownload the WJCL App for breaking news alerts: Apple | Google PlayA person was bitten by a rabid bat in Savannah, according to the Chatham County Health Department.In information released Tuesday, the health department said the person found the bat in a parking lot on 31st Street near Abercorn Street. When the person attempted to nudge the bat away from cars, the bat bit the person. The bat later tested positive for rabies.The person received medical care and there were no other known exposures. The Chatham County Health Department’s Environmental Health office reminds all residents and visitors to avoid contact with wild animals and ensure pets are properly vaccinated against rabies. Following these tips can protect you and your family from rabies:Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis.If an animal bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Chatham County Animal Services at 912-652-6575 and the Chatham County Environmental Health office at 912-356-2160.
Above file video: Rabid bats found in Savannah
Download the WJCL App for breaking news alerts: Apple | Google Play
A person was bitten by a rabid bat in Savannah, according to the Chatham County Health Department.
In information released Tuesday, the health department said the person found the bat in a parking lot on 31st Street near Abercorn Street. When the person attempted to nudge the bat away from cars, the bat bit the person.
The bat later tested positive for rabies.
The person received medical care and there were no other known exposures.
The Chatham County Health Department’s Environmental Health office reminds all residents and visitors to avoid contact with wild animals and ensure pets are properly vaccinated against rabies.
Following these tips can protect you and your family from rabies:
- Avoid contact with animals you don’t know.
- Make sure your pets receive the proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get rabies vaccines after 12 weeks of age, followed by a booster shot within one year and vaccination every 1-3 years depending on veterinary recommendation and vaccine used.
- Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or by leaving pet food out at night.
- Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick animals to health. Call animal control or a properly licensed animal rescue agency for assistance.
- Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone” is a good principle for children to learn.
Symptoms of rabies in animals include a change in behavior, biting, aggression, showing no fear of natural enemies (such as humans), foaming at the mouth, and paralysis.
If an animal bites you, seek medical care immediately and contact Chatham County Animal Services at 912-652-6575 and the Chatham County Environmental Health office at 912-356-2160.
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