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Bat found in Livingston County tests positive for rabies, health officials warn residents
ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4 • • health
Key Points:
- A bat found in Livingston County, Michigan, has tested positive for rabies, marking the county's first animal case of the year, according to the Livingston County Health Department.
- Health officials warn residents to be cautious around bats, as bites can be small and hard to detect, and rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear but preventable with early treatment.
- Residents are advised to capture bats found indoors for testing, avoid direct contact, and seek guidance from the health department if exposure is suspected, especially if a bat is found in a room with vulnerable individuals.
- Potential rabies exposure includes bites or contact with bat saliva or brain tissue, and anyone who believes they have been exposed should report it through the health department’s online system or by phone.
- Preventative measures include washing any animal bites or scratches, keeping homes sealed and screened to prevent bat entry, and ensuring pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations.
