A review of the impact of rabies during 2000 shows that Missouri had 50 cases of animal rabies confirmed by laboratory examination. Bats represented 44 of those cases. Due to presence of bats in our area, the Department of Community Health and the environment wants residents to be aware of the appropriate way to react when a bat is present or a family pet comes in contact with a bat. This poses a risk to curious pets that may sniff or mouth or even pick up rabies infected bats. A current rabies vaccination will protect the pet.
Humans are also at risk for exposure if they are curious and pick up the sick creature.
If a bat is handled, it should be captured with the assistance of an animal control officer. The bat can be covered with a box, container, or an old blanket to trap it until the animal control officer can respond. Anyone who handles a bat should thoroughly wash any part of the body that contacted the bat with soap and warm water as well as any known bite or scratch. Immediate medical guidance should always be the next step. The bat, if captured, will be sent to the State of Missouri Public Health Laboratory to be tested for the rabies virus.