GRAND RKeynoteUSAIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Rabid bats have now been confirmed in three different counties in West Michigan.
That’s according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
So far this year, 14 cases of rabies have been confirmed statewide. He latest report According to MDHHS notes, there has been one case each in Kent, Allegan and Calhoun counties.
A case was reported in Berrien County earlier this spring. The 14 cases are spread across 13 different counties, primarily in southeastern Michigan.
Mosquito population expected to rise after mild winter
On average, Michigan confirms approximately 40 cases of rabies in animals each year statewide. 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 treatment is not taken before symptoms appear.
“After exposure to rabies, the virus must travel from the bite site to the brain before symptoms begin. This is called the incubation period and can last from a few weeks to months,” the state agency notes.
Rage It comes with several unique symptoms. It usually begins with fever and headache, general weakness, and an itchy sensation at the site of exposure. Over time, more brain dysfunctions will appear, including difficulty sleeping, anxiety and confusion, hallucinations, aggression, partial paralysis, difficulty swallowing, and fear of water.
Sign up for breaking news alert emails
You can still be exposed to rabies from wild animals even if they don’t show symptoms. That is why it is important to always stay away from wild animals.
For pet owners and farmers, the easiest way to protect their animals is to keep them up to date on their vaccinations. State law requires that all dogs and ferrets be vaccinated against 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 its spread.
If you suspect you have been exposed to rabies, contact your doctor or local health department immediately. All rabies testing must be coordinated through MDHHS and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Anyone who has been exposed must go through a series of injections called Rabies post-exposure prophylaxisincluding injections on the day of exposure and vaccinations three, seven, and 14 days after exposure.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow Keynote USA Local on Twitter.