The bats have been present in Ballwin and Maplewood, the St. Louis County Division of Public Well being stated.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The St. Louis County Division of Public Well being despatched a warning to residents Wednesday morning after officers lately discovered two bats that examined optimistic for rabies.
The primary bat was collected at a Ballwin residence by well being division officers on June 15, a press launch from the division stated. The second bat was collected from a Maplewood residence on June 23. The pair are the primary bats to check optimistic for rabies within the county this yr.
The county normally sees round 5 rabid animals yearly, all of them bats, officers instructed 5 On Your Aspect. The primary bat discovered with rabies normally occurs in April or Could.
Missouri normally sees 25 rabid animals yearly, 73% of that are bats and 21% of that are skunks, the division stated.
“Most wholesome bats should not contaminated with rabies (solely
Most bats that reside within the St. Louis County space have small, needle-like enamel, making bites tough to really feel, county officers stated. Avoiding direct contact with wildlife or any animal behaving surprisingly is really useful.
Rabies is sort of at all times deadly as soon as signs start, the division stated. An infection will be prevented earlier than signs start by way of a rabies vaccine.
If a bat is seen, residents ought to instantly name the county’s animal management at 314-615-0650 throughout enterprise hours or 636-529-8210 after enterprise hours.
“When you suppose you could have been uncovered to a bat, Saint Louis County residents can name DPH communicable illness investigators (314-615-1630) to debate the potential want for rabies vaccine,” the press launch stated.
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