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MEDFORD, Oregon – After the discovery of a rabid bat in Medford, health officials urged the public to take precautions.
On the evening of July 16, the Jackson County Health and Social Services Department reported that one person had "physical contact" with a bat with a positive rabies test.
"Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system," health officials said. "It is transmitted to humans by infected mammals and is always fatal once the symptoms appear."
Bats would be the main vectors of rabies in the state of Oregon, 8 to 10% of them being tested positive for the disease each year.
If you see bats, or other wild animals, acting strangely, do not approach them. Instead, take the children indoors and call the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department at 866-968-2600.
"The authorities stress that the main protection of human beings is to ensure that pets are vaccinated and avoid contact with stray animals and wildlifeHHS says public health officials advise taking extreme measures precautions to take before attempting to handle a bat. If it is necessary to take a bat, it is better to wear thick gloves, use a shovel or both."
For more information on rabies, visit https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/RABIES/Pages/rabies.aspx
Copyright 2019 California-Oregon Broadcasting, Inc.
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