For the first time since 1944, a Utahn died from rabies – presumably after contact with a bat

A Utahn died of rabies. The last time this happened, the United States stormed the beaches of Normandy during World War II.

The Utah Department of Health confirmed the death, although it has not published any information about the victim, though it was only she was exposed to rabies by contact with a bat. And that was the first fatality due to rabies in the state since 1944.

"If you are near a bat, dead or alive, do not touch it, hit it or kill it," said Dallin Peterson, an epidemiologist with the Department of Health's Health Department. # 39; Utah. "Immediately call your health care provider or the local public health unit to report possible possible exposure and determine if preventive treatment is necessary."

According to the Department of Health, people and animals in Utah are most likely to be exposed to rabies by bats. And since the teeth and claws of a bat are so small, the victims may not realize that they have been exposed. Anyone who is bitten, has naked skin contact or any other potential contact with a bat – including waking up in a room with a bat – should seek advice on whether to take treatment to prevent rabies.

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It affects the nervous system of humans and animals.

The Utah Department of Health has issued the following guidelines:

• Make sure that your pets' rabies vaccines are up to date.

• Never touch a bat. Keep the bats out of your home. Seal the cracks and holes through which bats can penetrate.

• Keep your pets indoors and watch for them when they are outside.

• Report stray animals to local authorities.

• Do not approach wild animals. Wild animals with rabies may not seem to be afraid of humans; Stay away from any animal that does not seem to be afraid. If you see a wild animal behaving strangely, report it to animal control.

• In domestic animals, signs of rabies may include behavioral changes, general illness, difficulty swallowing, increased saliva or saliva, and a bite of all excitement.

• Consider being vaccinated against rabies if traveling outside the country. If you travel to a country where rabies is common and you are staying there for a long time, ask your doctor if you should receive the rabies vaccine.

• If you are bitten by an animal, domestic or wild, clean the wound immediately with soap and water and consult a health care provider.