Fresno County public health officials announced on Friday that animal cases of rabies have been detected.
The Fresno County Department of Public Health said that rabies were found in dead bats and that stray cats in the cities of Fresno and Reedley may have also been exposed.
Driving the news: Although there have been no known human exposures reported thus far, rabies carries an almost 100% fatality rate if left untreated once symptoms manifest. With this in mind, the county is encouraging people to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their pets from potential exposure.
- Fresno County stressed the critical importance of public awareness and caution to ensure community safety.
- The primary mode of rabies transmission is through the bite of an infected animal, particularly via saliva entering the eyes, nose, mouth, or open wound.
- In the event of contact, thorough cleansing of the affected area should be followed by seeking medical attention. It’s worth noting that bat bites may go unnoticed due to their small teeth, making it essential to have the bat tested for rabies if there is any doubt.
- In cases where animal control or public health officials are unable to respond promptly, it is advised to wear leather work gloves and confine the animal in a secure, breathable container, sealing it securely.
- The Department of Public Health has highlighted potential signs of rabies in infected animals, such as altered behavior like increased daytime activity, excessive aggression, or mobility issues. It’s important to note that bats might not exhibit visible symptoms, and the most reliable method to ascertain rabies presence is through testing.
- Bats found in unusual locations or displaying flight difficulties may denote infection. If a bat is captured, individuals should refrain from approaching or touching it, and instead seek assistance from animal control or public health authorities.
- Given that the virus has to reach the brain through the nervous system, symptoms may not immediately manifest. Initial signs can resemble flu-like symptoms such as weakness, discomfort, fever, or headache, and localized discomfort, tingling, or itching at the bite site may also occur.
What you can do: Pet owners are strongly advised to ensure that their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
- If there has been potential contact with a bat, individuals and pet owners are encouraged to contact the Environmental Health Division at 559-600-3357. For Reedley residents, the city’s animal control can be reached at 559-638-2122.
- To report an animal bite, a bite report can be submitted on the FCDPH website under rabies and animal control.
