MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. — Muskegon County's office of Public Health is alerting the community that a bat found in the county has tested positive for rabies.
They notified the public on Tuesday that this is the first bat to test positive in the county in 2024.
"Individuals can reduce the risk of exposure to a rabid bat by avoiding picking up or touching bats, keeping rabies vaccinations up-to-date for pets, and bat-proofing the home," said the office in a release.
They also said that while most individuals won't come in contact with a rabid bat, it's always best to be cautious. Any direct contact with a bat should always be considered a potential rabies exposure. If you don't believe you've been bitten, that doesn't mean you're in the clear, as bat bites are not always visible.
Scenarios that may lead to rabies exposure include:
- A person is bitten by a bat or comes in contact with its saliva or brain tissue
- A person awakens to find a bat in the room with them
- A bat is in a room with an unattended child
- A bat is in a room with a person who is mentally disabled or intoxicated
If you come in contact with a bat and are able to safely collect it, you are asked to do so. From there, you can consult with your local health department to determine if the bat should be tested for rabies.
The bat's test results will help determine of a person needs post-exposure treatment.
In Muskegon County, call 231-724-1228 or email publichealth.information@co.muskegon.mi.us for a consultation. Instructions on how to collect a bat safely can be found on numerous websites including the CDC, the Humane Society, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
