Bat found at elementary school tests positive for rabies

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Friday, May, 17, a bat found at Grant Elementary School on Westwood Boulevard tested positive for rabies.

El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) was notified of the bat, which had been found on the ground, on Tuesday, May 14. The bat was immediately sent for testing, and the diagnosis was confirmed on Friday, making it the first animal to test positive for rabies in El Paso County this year.

At this time there is no known exposure from the bat to any students or staff. EPCPH is working with the school administration to conduct an investigation.

“Bats naturally live in our region and can be found anywhere in and around our county,” said Dr. Bernadette Albanese, Co-Medical Director of El Paso County Public Health. “During the summer months, we typically see more cases of rabies among wildlife, including bats. With the warmer days and folks spending more time outdoors, it’s possible for people or pets to encounter a bat.”

Rabies is a virus that typically infects wild mammals, including bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. However, it can also infect people and pets. The disease is most commonly spread through a bite from an infected animal. Rabies affects the brain, leading to swelling and damage, and is fatal once symptoms appear.

“Remember a few simple steps to prevent being exposed to rabies: do not interact or touch any wild animal, teach children not to interact with wild animals, and make sure pets are on a leash,” said Dr. Ablanese.

The EPCPH gives these tips on how to recognize sick wildlife:

• Healthy wild animals normally fear humans, when an animal does not run away, it can be an indicator that it is sick.
• Animals that act aggressively or violently approach people or pets may be showing symptoms of rabies.
• If an animal is acting quiet and hiding, it is not necessarily safe, as some rabid animals become more passive. If they are hiding, leave them alone.
• Rabid animals may also stumble or have trouble walking.
• Sick or diseased wildlife should be reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at (719) 227-5200.

The following steps can be taken to prevent rabies exposure:

• Do not touch or feed any wild animals. Leaving food out for animals such as skunks or foxes can cause them to overcome their natural wariness of people and cause them to adapt to residential environments.
• If you, a family member, or a pet is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, call your doctor and notify EPCPH. You can either call EPCH at (719) 578-3220 or their after-hours number at (719) 235-2278, or you can report an animal bite from a domestic or wild animal on the EPCPH website .
• Seal your house to prevent bats and other animals from nesting. If animals are already nesting, use a professional animal removal service. More information is available at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website .
• If you encounter a lost or stray dog or cat, contact the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region. Their number is (719) 473-1741.

You can protect your pets from rabies infection by:

• Vaccinate your pets against rabies. Rabies shots need periodic boosters, so check your pet’s records or talk to your veterinarian.
• Keep your dog on a leash when walking or hiking with your dog. This will help protect both your pet and the wildlife.
• Keep cats and other pets inside at night. This will help reduce the risk of exposure to wildlife. When not on a leash, keep dogs in a fenced-in area when they are outdoors.
• Contact your veterinarian right away if you believe your pet has been exposed to a wild animal.

In 2022 four bats with rabies were reported in El Paso County, and in 2023, two were reported.

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