Bat tests positive for rabies in Livingston Manor
Officials say it is the first confirmed human exposure incident this year involving an animal with a laboratory-verified diagnosis.
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The Sullivan County Department of Public Health announced on Friday that a bat in the Livingston Manor area has tested positive for rabies.
Officials say it is the first confirmed human exposure incident this year involving an animal with a laboratory-verified diagnosis.
Rabies is a common disease among wild animals. The majority of cases occur in raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks and woodchucks.
Signs of the infection in animals include aggressive, uncharacteristic behavior, difficulty walking paralysis of the legs or jaw, a fear of water and foaming at the mouth.
Rabies is 100% fatal in humans if not promptly treated with post-exposure prophylaxis.
Officials say the best method of prevention is avoiding all unnecessary physical contact with wild animals.
A rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets is being held Sept. 16 at the Narrowsburg Fire House from 5 to 7 p.m.
Pre-registration can be requested by calling 845-292-5910.
