Rabid animals confirmed in 6 West Michigan counties

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Rabies-positive animals have now been confirmed in six West Michigan counties.

Data from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services and the Department of Natural Resources indicate 23 rabies-positive animals — all bats — have been reported across the state. Seven of them are in West Michigan, spread across six counties.

Rabies cases were confirmed in Kent, Allegan and Calhoun counties in June. Since then, cases have also been confirmed in Berrien, Kalamazoo and Ottawa counties.

On average, Michigan confirms approximately 40 cases of rabies in animals each year across the state. Last year , the state reported 55 cases, including 34 bats, 19 skunks, one cat and one dog. That included animals in Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties.

The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal if no treatment is taken before symptoms appear.

“After exposure to rabies, the virus must travel from the site of the bite to the brain before symptoms begin. This is called the incubation period, and it can last from a few weeks to months,” the state agency says.

Rabies comes with several unique symptoms. It typically starts with a fever and headache, general weakness and an itching sensation at the site of the exposure. Over time, more brain dysfunction will appear, including difficulty sleeping, anxiety and confusion, hallucinations, aggression, partial paralysis, difficulty swallowing and a fear of water.

You can still be exposed to rabies by wild animals even if they aren’t showing symptoms. That is why it is important to always keep your distance from wild animals.

For pet owners and farmers, the easiest way to protect your animals is to keep them updated on their vaccines. State law requires all dogs and ferrets to be vaccinated for rabies. The vaccine is also recommended for all cats and any domestic livestock.

Unlike humans, there is no post-exposure treatment for animals, so unvaccinated pets that are exposed to rabies may be forced to be euthanized to prevent the virus’ spread.

If you suspect you have been exposed to rabies, reach out to your doctor or local health department immediately. All rabies testing must be coordinated through the MDHHS and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Anyone who was exposed must go through a series of injections called Rabies Postexposure Prophylaxis , including shots on the day of the exposure and vaccines three, seven and 14 days after the exposure.

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