Point Reyes Light - October 9, 2003

Rabid bat found at Bolinas School

By Andrew Pridgen

Students and parents of Bolinas School received a scare on Friday when a rabid bat was found on the playground. Luckily, it appears that no one had dangerous contact with it.

School staff notified the Humane Society, which removed the bat and gave it to the county Health Department. After being killed, the bat tested positive for rabies, prompting the county to issue a public warning.

Neither Health Department nor Humane Society staff know whether anyone came into contact with the bat in ways that exposed them to the disease.

"It would have to be a case where someone comes into physical contact with the bat and exchanges bodily fluids like blood or saliva," said Dr. Nathalie Bera, deputy public health officer told The Light Wednesday.

"If there is any doubt, the person’s physician should also be contacted immediately. Or, in extreme cases, they can be taken to the emergency room for a vaccine."

In Marin, rabies occurs fairly regularly among bats, skunks, and foxes. Last year, of the 140 bats checked by the county, 13 tested positive for rabies. Statewide last year, 2,256 bats were checked for rabies and 183 tested positive.

Encountering rabid animals "is not something that happens every day," said Bera, "but it’s something people have to know about."

Marin Humane Society spokesman John Reese told The Light that students and staff on the Bolinas School playground found the bat. "If anyone picked up or handled the bat, they should consider consulting with their physician or vet," Reese added.

Those who believe they were exposed to the bat or want to know more about rabies can call the Humane Society at 883-4621 or the county Health Department at 499-7805.

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