Colorado county identifies first case of rabies of the year

The first case of wild animal rabies in Arapahoe County this year has been identified, the fourth of the year for the state of Colorado.

According to a news release from Arapahoe County, a bat found in Englewood near Quincy Avenue and Santa Fe Drive has tested positive for rabies. Two people were exposed to the bat. They have begun treatment to prevent infection and illness. If you have come into contact with a bat in this area, you should reach out to your healthcare provider and the Arapahoe County Public Health Department to evaluate risk and need for treatment.

This case of rabies is the fourth in Colorado this year. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment , there were 55 cases of rabies in Colorado last year. Of those cases, 47 involved bats.

According to the news release, rabies infection is almost always fatal in humans and animals once symptoms appear. The disease is usually transmitted from bites or scratches from a rabid animal, or exposure to infected saliva. Any mammal can be infected, but skunks and bats are the primary carriers in Colorado.

The news release goes on to explain that cases of rabies in humans and pets are rare. However, some actions you can take to prevent risk are to vaccinate all pets and livestock and not feed or touch any wild animals.

Learn more tips to prevent rabies here .

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