The victim of a bat bite in Florida has died of rabies, health officials said. The Florida Department of Health confirmed that a bat likely transmitted rabies to the victim in Highlands County. Officials did not say when the bite occurred.
Officials said the bite victim, who lived in Highlands County, did not seek treatment. It is. important for bite victims to receive treatment as quickly as possible, according to the Florida Department of Health.
“It is important to avoid direct contact with wildlife,” said Mara Gambineri, spokeswoman of the Florida Health Department. “If you believe you may have been exposed to rabies, including any physical contact with a bat, contact your health care provider and your county health department right away.”
Rabies can cause a nearly 100 percent fatal illness in humans and other mammals. The virus is present in some wildlife in Florida and can spread to unvaccinated pets, which then pose a high risk to the pet owner and their family. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies in Florida.
Bats
Bats are a species of animals that are known for their ability to fly. They are the only mammals that can truly fly, as they use their wings to help them stay in the air. Bats come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and there are over 1,000 different bat species around the world.
One of the most interesting things about bats is their diet. Many bats eat insects, which makes them an important part of the ecosystem. They help keep populations of insects under control, which can be harmful if they get too out of hand. Some bats also eat fruit, which helps spread seeds around and helps with pollination.
Bats are also important to humans in other ways. For example, some bat species are known to be effective at controlling mosquitoes. This is important because mosquitoes can carry diseases like malaria and Zika virus.
Bats are considered a nuisance animal because they can be carriers of serious diseases. For example, bats can carry the rabies virus, which is a deadly disease. They can also spread other diseases like Ebola and SARS.
In addition to being a health hazard, bats can also be a nuisance because of the damage they can do. Bats often get into buildings through cracks and holes, and they can damage insulation, wiring, and other structures. They can also create a lot of noise, which can be disruptive for people living in the area.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is spread through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through a bite. Rabies can also be spread through contact with infected tissues or blood. The virus attacks the brain and spinal cord and eventually causes death.
Rabies symptoms can take only a few days to develop after exposure to the virus. Early symptoms include fever, headache, and general feeling of unwellness. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms develop such as muscle spasms, confusion, and seizures. Eventually, the person becomes paralyzed and dies from respiratory failure.
There is no specific treatment for rabies once symptoms have developed. However, if exposure to the virus is suspected, rabies vaccine and antibodies may be given to prevent infection. Prevention is key in avoiding rabies, as there is no cure once someone has contracted the disease.
People who are most at risk of exposure to rabies are those who work with animals or are traveling in areas where rabies is endemic. Rabies vaccination is recommended for these people as well as for children and adults who are likely to come into contact with animals.
Things To Do When You’re Bitten By a Bat
If you are bitten by a bat, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The bat may have been carrying a disease that can be passed on to humans, such as rabies. Even if the bat does not appear to be sick, it is important to get checked out by a doctor.
There are a few things you can do when you are bitten by a bat:
1. Wash the wound with soap and water.
2. Apply a bandage to the wound.
3. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
4. Do not try to capture the bat yourself. Leave that to the experts.
7. If you have been vaccinated against rabies, you may still need to receive a booster shot.
8. If you have not been vaccinated against rabies, you will need to receive a series of shots to prevent the disease.
Rabies is a serious disease that can be fatal if not treated promptly. If you are bitten by a bat, it is important to seek medical attention right away and follow the steps above to reduce your risk of contracting rabies.
Find a Competent Wildlife Removal
If you have bats in your home, it is important to find a competent wildlife removal service to remove them. Bats can carry diseases that are dangerous to humans, so it is important to take precautions when dealing with them. A professional wildlife removal service will have the experience and knowledge to safely and effectively remove bats from your home.
At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we are experts in bat removal and can help you get rid of bats in your home safely and effectively. We use the latest technology and equipment to remove bats, and we follow all safety protocols to ensure that our customers are protected. We also offer a variety of other wildlife services, such as squirrel removal, raccoon removal, and bird control. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
The news originally from: https://www.local10.com/news/2017/10/30/florida-bat-bite-victim-dies-of-rabies/
