Dutchess Warns Residents Of Increase In Exposure To Bats

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — There has been an increase in the number of investigations in Dutchess County of people or domestic animals exposed to bats, along with an increase of exposure to animals that may have rabies. The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health said, for 2020 to date, it has investigated 111 reports of potential exposures, nearly a 30 percent increase from the previous year.

Bats in the homes of county residents continues to be a problem with the department reporting a significant increase in bats found inside homes with window air conditioners.

Health officials said rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system of mammals. The virus spreads through the saliva and nervous tissue of rabid animals.

The usual method of exposure is through a bite from an infected animal. Exposure can occur if the saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal enters an open wound or mucous membrane, such as the eyes, nose or mouth.

Since the small teeth of a bat can make a bat bite difficult to detect, the presence of a bat in a room with a sleeping person, unattended child or an intoxicated or mentally compromised person is also considered a possible exposure.

Dr. A.K. Vaidian, the county health commissioner, said all residents should inspect the area around their air conditioning units.

"It is important that the gaps around air conditioners are sealed properly to keep bats out, and that the top sash hasn't slid down," he said. "Carefully seal around window air conditioners, especially between the window sashes, with foam, fabric or other suitable material to prevent bats from gaining entry through gaps."

Bats can easily squeeze into very small gaps, about 1/2 inch, such as in between the upper and lower window sashes roof eaves, attic fans and vent openings.

You can greatly reduce your risk of exposure and rabies can be prevented if you:

• Avoid contact with wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, woodchucks/groundhogs, and bats.
• Do not approach or handle domestic animals that you do not know, including stray dogs and cats.
• Do not attempt to handle or capture sick or orphaned wildlife.
• Keep your home and yard free of food and other debris that may attract wild animals.
• Vaccinate your dogs, cats, domestic ferrets, horses and other livestock and keep their immunizations up to date.
• Secure all window unit air conditioners to ensure no gaps exist on the sides and bottom of the unit for bats to crawl through.
• Be sure all windows and doors have secure and intact screens to keep bats from entering your home.
• Make sure chimney dampers are closed. Seal all unused openings from the house into the chimney so bats cannot enter.

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