Bat rescue complete

[DavidS]

During undergrad, I worked in the rabies lab at the CDC. Many of the major articles in the scientific literature over the past 15 years were written by people I worked with (I got a couple of nice publications out of the job also).

This is the most recent annual data that I could find online.
http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract...rveillance

If you read the article, almost 20% of rabies cases were in bats.

Another of many sources - http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract...t%20rabies
"Most human rabies deaths in the United States can be attributed to unrecognized exposures to rabies viruses associated with bats, particularly those associated with two infrequently encountered bat species (Lasionycteris noctivagans and Pipistrellus subflavus)."

If animal control and/or the county health department suggests that you do post-exposure prophylaxis, I'd recommend taking them up on it, as well as the people who helped you with the bat. Since you don't have the bat to test, it is best to assume that it was a carrier.

[Racer X]

after rabies progresses to a certain point, it is still fatal, even if diagnosed and treated, right?

[DavidS]

[quote Racer X]after rabies progresses to a certain point, it is still fatal, even if diagnosed and treated, right?
Yes

[AlphaDog]

The guy didn't recommend any treatment for me now, he just took some time to explain the way they approach situations in which a bat is found in someone's house. In my case, the bat was outside, and he never came into contact with any humans. Nobody touched the areas where he'd been, either. Since this is the second time I've been lucky enough to have a bat take a liking to my place, the animal control officer was just making sure I knew what kind of services he could provide and what to do if I ever found one inside.

The strange thing is that I've only seen two bats in the 15 years I've lived here, and I only saw them because they both got trapped around the exterior of my house (which was because they'd been trying to snoop where they didn't belong!) It's kind of scary to think of how many must be out there at night zinging around, though.

[SteveO]

Only scary if you make it that way. Bats will mostly keep to themselves if left that way. I put up a bat house up on the side of my house to encourage them. I haven't noticed that they've taken the invite, but I hope they do. Less bugs is better bugs!

Yes, ditto the Mint...human congrats! Or, Humane Leader!

[mikebw]

so it's more bug bites or the chance of getting rabies. great.

[incognegro]

Eggcellent!

[vision63]

I'm glad your bat is back to hunting mosquitos.