After a relatively recent set of rabies cases closing out 2021, Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) has reported its first rabies case of the year in the form of a bat located in Cedar Grove, NC.
On Monday, January 3, a Cedar Grove resident discovered a bat inside of her home, and contacted Animal Control to remove it. The bat was subsequently tested for rabies, as per standard policy, and returned a positive result. No people or pets had any known direct contact with the bat prior to its removal from the property.
A communicable disease nurse from the Orange County Health Department was contacted to evaluate the risk of rabies exposure. As is always the case, a decision about post-exposure prophylaxis that protects people from rabies is based upon an assessment of all the factors involved.
When there is “a reasonable suspicion of exposure,” a dog, cat, or ferret with a valid vaccination history must receive a booster shot within four days. An unvaccinated cat or dog must either be euthanized or quarantined for a period up to four months. Rabies can be transmitted through secondary saliva exposure when handling an animal, and OCAS strongly recommends to not touch your pet without gloves if it has had any possible exposure to a rabies vector. Common North Carolina rabies vectors include bats, raccoons, and foxes.
OCAS also reminds pet owners that rabies is a fatal viral infection to animals and humans alike, to exercise caution, and to ensure their pets vaccinations are up-to-date.
Orange County recorded a total of four positive rabies cases in 2021, and eight confirmed cases in 2020.
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