07/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/18/2024 10:39
Jul 18, 2024
As bats become more active during the summer, precautions can limit exposure
AUGUSTA - The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) urges Maine residents and visitors to take steps to prevent contact with bats to avoid possible exposure to rabies. Bats are most active in Maine from July into early September, though bat exposures can happen at any time of year. The Maine CDC encourages people to be cautious around bats, keep a safe distance, and know what to do after exposure to a bat.
Bats play an important role in the environment but can also spread viruses such as rabies. Rabies can be fatal in humans, pets, and livestock. Timely treatment following a rabies exposure is effective in preventing the disease in humans. Human rabies cases are rare in the United States, and Maine last reported a human rabies case in 1937. In 2023, bats made up 49 percent of the 721 animals tested by Maine CDC. Nine of the bats tested positive for rabies.
Rabies spreads when infected mammals bite, and in some cases scratch, other mammals. Contact with an infected animal's brain or spinal cord can also spread the virus to humans, pets, or livestock. The virus cannot spread in blood, urine, feces, skunk spray, or dried saliva. A rabid animal may show a variety of symptoms or no symptoms at all. Wherever possible, avoid contact with wildlife, including bats, or any animals you do not know.
Determining whether exposure to a bat occurred may be difficult. Assess each exposure on a case-by-case basis and always treat bats with caution. A bat exposure may include:
If you think you might have been exposed to a bat, follow these steps:
For more information: