Rabies

Rabies in Wyoming

Following a few recent incidents, Wyoming Department of Health officials are warning Wyoming residents to be cautious if they encounter bats because of rabies concerns.

The department has been notified about the presence of bats in and around a number of homes, churches and other public areas.

Bats are a major reservoir of rabies in Wyoming and can lead to infection of humans and animals. While bats can be beneficial for insect control, they do present a serious public health threat when they inhabit structures where humans live or congregate.

Rabies is nearly always a fatal disease in humans, but can be successfully prevented if treatment is started promptly after exposure.

Transmission of rabies from bat to human may occur from bites, even if the bite is not recognized, as well as from scratches or other physical contact that result in a break in a person’s skin or mucous membrane exposure.

Preventive treatment may be considered in the following situations:

*Physical contact with or handling a bat even if bite marks are not seen.

*Waking up in room in which a bat is present

*Presence of a bat around an unattended child.

The Department of Health recommends that anyone who experiences direct, physical contact with a bat should immediately contact their healthcare provider or their local public health nursing office for help and further information. If possible, any bat contacting humans should be carefully captured so that rabies testing can be performed.

Skunk and bat rabies are endemic to Wyoming but any mammal can become infected. Wyoming has had cats, cattle, horses and dogs (to just name a few) test positive for rabies over the years.

Remember to follow these tips to prevent rabies in you and in your pets:

1) Vaccinate your pets against rabies. Vaccinating your pets can protect them from getting rabies if they come into contact with infected wildlife. This can prevent you and your family from being exposed to rabies as well. See your veterinarian for details.

2) If you are bitten by an animal you should

Wash the wound thoroughly with warm water and soap

Seek medical advice from a health care provider about your need for rabies post exposure prophylaxis treatment

3) If you wake up and find a bat in your room or a child’s room, consult a health care provider to discuss your need for rabies post exposure treatment. Bat’s teeth are so small you may have been bitten and did not even know it. For questions about rabies, contact Dr. Karl Musgrave at 307-777-5825 or karl.musgrave@wyo.gov.