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Potentially rabid bat reported at Roger Williams Park Zoo
turnto10.com • • health
Key Points:
- A potentially rabid bat was seen on August 24 in the water play area of Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH).
- The zoo’s veterinarian assessed the incident as low risk for human exposure, and the bat was safely discarded before it could be tested for rabies.
- RIDOH advises anyone who had contact with a bat in the zoo on or before August 24 to contact their Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology for evaluation and possible treatment.
- Rabies affects the central nervous system, and prompt treatment after exposure is critical to prevent the disease before symptoms appear.
- Vaccination can effectively prevent rabies if administered before symptoms develop following potential exposure.
