Two bats tested positive for rabies at a private residence in Bayfield, prompting health officials to warn of the potential spread of the disease through wild animals.<\/p>\n
A spokeswoman for the San Juan Basin Health Department said Thursday no human contact was reported, but health officials believe there is suspicion of domesticated animal exposure.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you think your pet or domestic animal has been exposed to rabies due to a wild animal bite, contact a veterinarian or SJBH immediately,\u201d Michelle Wilson, a planning and communications specialist with the health agency, said in a news release.<\/p>\n
Pet owners are required by state policy to take proper precautions when a domestic animal is suspected of having come in contact with a wild animal that may carry the viral disease, which is spread when an infected animal bites or scratches a pet. Measures include 45-day home observation or up to a 90-day quarantine in a facility followed by another 90-day period of isolation at home.<\/p>\n
While less common, there are cases when humans contract the disease. In 2015, seven people in Southwest Colorado were infected and had to receive post-exposure treatment after an encounter with a wild animal. Common symptoms are tingling or twitching sensations around the bite, followed by fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea and fatigue.<\/p>\n
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said over the past century, modern medicine has drastically reduced the number of deaths from rabies from around 100 a year to just about two or three annually.<\/p>\n
In the United States, annual public-health expenditures for rabies prevention and control range from $245 million to $510 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny wild mammal, such as a raccoon, skunk, fox, coyote or bat can have rabies and transmit it to humans through a bite,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cBats are by far the most common carriers of rabies in Colorado, including La Plata and Archuleta counties.\u201d<\/p>\n
The health department recommends humans do not touch live or dead wildlife, keep doors and windows closed, do not feed wildlife, keep up-to-date on vaccinations, and seek professional services if bats roost in homes or places of work.<\/p>\n
Health officials ask residents to report any suspicion of an animal infected with rabies by calling 247-5702.<\/p>\n