Northeast Michigan health officials say rabies has been found in an Alcona County bat this week after being discovered inside a local home.
While no humans have been exposed, the local public health department, which covers Alcona, Iosco, Ogemaw, and Oscoda counties, is asking residents to take proper precautions if they suspect they've come into contact with an infected animal.
The disease is commonly transmitted to both humans and animals through saliva and bites or broken skin. However, according to Community Health Director Scott Izzo, bats are one of the species where the disease can randomly exist without known cause.
"Bats tend to have a higher chance of having rabies, and it kind of exists in that population," explained Izzo. "That's why it's important if you ever find a bat in your house before you wake up, you may not be able to tell if you were bit. It's important to seek medical consult so you can figure out what best steps to take next."
One thing Izzo noted is that once symptoms occur after being exposed to an infected animal the disease is fatal with no cure.
"I think there's like one case [of survival]," Izzo said. "The best thing to do is if you get bit or suspect you were bit, is to go seek medical attention. They may suggest that you get the rabies vaccine, prophylaxis."
If an animal is suspected to have rabies in your home, health officials recommend collecting the animal then calling your local public health department. Vaccination against the disease is highly recommended for all pets.
