HEALTH

Utah authorities warn of rabid bats after an 8th tests positive

Aug 11, 2017, 8:17 AM

Photo courtesy Utah DWR

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah health officials are warning anyone who comes into contact with bats to report that exposure right away, because of the risk of rabies.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food confirmed eight bats have tested positive for rabies this year to date.

In addition, state officials say that exposure may extend not just to people, but also to pets and other wildlife who may have come into contact with infected bats.

According to the department, signs of rabies in domesticated animals can include “obvious changes in normal behavior like aggression, attacking without provocation, foaming at the mouth, no interest in food or water, staggering, or paralysis.”

Among wild animals, department officials say watch for uncharacteristically tame behavior.

“Infected bats may be seen flying around during the daytime, resting on the ground, or may show no noticeable signs at all,” the department wrote in a news release.

Anyone who sees an animal with signs of rabies, or who thinks a pet or person may have been exposed, should contact their local health department or call 1-888-EPI-UTAH (374-8824). With bats, you should report the exposure whether you think the animal was rabid or not.

There is no treatment for rabies once symptoms start to appear, and it is always fatal. While most Americans realize dogs need rabies vaccinations, not everyone realizes the same is true for cats and horses. The Department of Agriculture and Food says cats are the most common domestic animal to test positive for rabies in the United States, usually after a family pet has been found playing with a dead bat.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Health

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

(Canva)...

Michelle Lee

How, and why, a hobby can bring joy to your life

If it brings you pleasure, is meaningful, and you can do it regularly, you've got yourself a hobby! Here's why they can benefit us so much.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Utah clinics winning the fight against overprescribed antibiotics

Intermountain Health and the University of Utah found that urgent-care facilities were more likely to prescribe antibiotics as a quick, easy solution.

11 months ago

Utah Food Bank...

Allessandra Harris

Utah Food Bank aims to ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ this summer

The Utah Food Bank is joining forces with the Letter Carriers Union to collect non-perishable food items for those in need.

11 months ago

...

LEANNE ITALIE AP Entertainment Writer

Mommy blogger Heather Armstrong, known as Dooce to fans, dead at 47

Armstrong had laid bare her struggles as a mother and her battles with depression and alcoholism on her site, Dooce.com, and on social media since 2001.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Utah authorities warn of rabid bats after an 8th tests positive