On April 27, the North Carolina State Lab of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s second case of rabies for the year.
On April 26, Alamance County Animal Control was notified of a bat that was retrieved from a pool on Dixon Road in Graham. Alamance County Animal Control sent the bat to the North Carolina State Lab for rabies testing where it was found to be positive. The Health Department did identify two human exposures to the animal, and recommended immediate post-exposure treatment for these individuals.
If you live in this area and have outside pets, the Health Department encourages you to examine them for any wounds that may have come from contact with this bat and notify Alamance County Animal Control at 336-570-6302, or the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if you have questions or concerns.
Many bat species use man-made structures such as buildings and bridges to complement their selection of natural roosts. During the months of May through August bats are a protected species and cannot be removed from their roosting location. Exclusion of bats can be done when temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees and any months other than May through August. If you find a bat in your home or a building structure, close off the area where the bat is located and safely exit the premises. You should contact your local Animal Control agency. If you think you may have multiple bats or an infestation in your home, contact a wildlife nuisance abatement company; bats should never be directly handled.
It is North Carolina law that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination should occur when the dog or cat is no more than 4 months of age; the second vaccination is required no more than a year later and then again every three years.
If you are bitten by any animal:
- Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
- Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department.
- Do not try to catch any wild or stray animal
Last year, Alamance County had three confirmed animal cases of rabies.
For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.