JAMESTOWN — The Rhode Island Department of Health is warning the public after a bat found at Beavertail State Park tested positive for rabies, marking the latest case of the fatal disease detected in the state’s wildlife population.
A park worker discovered the injured bat near a water hose spigot on the Lighthouse Building at approximately 9 a.m. July 30, according to a statement released Tuesday by state health officials. The bat was later euthanized at a wildlife rehabilitation facility after staff observed symptoms consistent with rabies.
The Rhode Island State Health Laboratories confirmed the positive rabies test Aug. 1.
Health officials are urging anyone who may have had direct contact with the bat to immediately contact the Department of Health’s Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 401-222-2577 during business hours or 401-276-8046 after hours. Pet owners whose animals may have encountered the bat should also contact health officials.
Rabies is fatal if left untreated before symptoms appear, but post-exposure treatment is highly effective when administered promptly after contact with an infected animal.
“Rabies treatment must be started as soon as possible after exposure,” health officials said in the statement. The virus attacks the central nervous system and, without appropriate medical care, causes brain disease that ultimately results in death.
State law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets to maintain current rabies vaccinations. Officials said pet vaccination prevents animals from contracting the disease and protects owners from exposure through their pets.
To reduce rabies risk, health officials recommend keeping pets up to date on vaccinations, avoiding contact with stray or wild animals, not feeding pets outdoors, maintaining control of pets through leashes or fenced areas, and securing garbage cans to prevent wild animals from scavenging.
All animal bites should be reported to local animal control officers, according to the health department.
More information about rabies prevention is available at www.health.ri.gov/rabies.