Bat Found In Lakewood Tests Positive For Rabies

LAKEWOOD, CO — A bat found in Lakewood has tested positive for rabies, according to Jefferson County Public Health. The rabid bat, which was found near the 700 block of South Reed Street, is the first bat this year to test positive for the rabies virus in Jefferson County.

Bats seen during the day and those that are unable to fly are more likely to be infected than others, health officials said. Bats, like all wild animals, should never be handled. All people and animals should be removed from the area where the bat is located, and animal control should be contacted.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system. The virus is present primarily in the saliva, brain tissue and spinal fluid of a rabid animal, and people are typically exposed to the virus through bites.

Jefferson County Public Health offered the following tips:

• Avoid contact with all wild or stray animals.
• Vaccinate all cats, dogs, ferrets and valuable livestock.
• Don't let your pets to roam free.
• Contact animal control if you find a dead bat or skunk, if you find a bat or skunk behaving strangely or if you or your pet are bitten by any animal.
• Wear gloves to clean up your pet after a wild animal encounter.
• If bitten or scratched by a pet or wild animal, wash wounds with soap and water and call your doctor.

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Early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of many other illnesses, including fever, headache and general weakness or discomfort, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, increase in saliva, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms, according to the CDC.

Anyone who sees a bat is asked to leave it alone and call animal control at 303-271-5070.