Health Department Advises Public of Rabies Risk

PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department is advising the public of a rabies risk that may have occurred on August 8 at the Riverside Park in Oakmont.

A bat discovered near the bleachers of the Third Street baseball field where children were playing was removed from the park, tested by the Health Department and found to be rabid. Anyone who had an encounter with the bat on August 8th that resulted in a scratch, bite or contact with its saliva is urged to contact the Allegheny County Health Department to discuss whether medical treatment is needed. The Department is asking that potentially exposed individuals call 412-687-ACHD (2243).

The Health Department is also working with Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture staff to publicly notifyOakmont residents of the potential dangers posed by the rabid bat.

The Health Department reminds all County residents to avoid contact with wild animals like bats or animals they do not know. The rabies virus, if left untreated, is nearly always fatal in humans and pets. Residents should keep their pets’ vaccinations up-to-date, and watch for any unusual behavior.

This latest discovery is the eleventh reported case of animal rabies in the County in 2014. In total, reported rabies cases now include two cats, two raccoons, five bats, and two groundhogs. Last year, 18 rabid animals were reported.