Rabid Bat Found In Brighton: Livingston County Health Department

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MI — A bat in Livingston County tested positive for rabies, county health officials said Monday.

The bat was found in Brighton and is the first rabies-positive animal detected in the county this year, officials said.

Officials warned residents to stay away from bats and reach out to the health department if they come in contact with a bat in the area.

"Bats are more active this time of year," Kristen Flory with LCHD said in a statement. "If you have contact with a bat or find a bat in your home, it’s important to report it to the Health Department. Our public health staff are available to talk through each situation and determine if there was any risk of rabies exposure."

Bats often roost in dark, undisturbed areas, such as attics and wall spaces in homes. The entry points are often near the roof edge, such as under the eaves, soffits or loose boards, openings in the roof or vents, or crevices around the chimney.

Those who are bitten, or scratched or the possibility of contact cannot be excluded, try to confine or kill the bat without damage to its head, to prevent additional exposures.

Immediately cleanse the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek prompt medical attention from a physician or hospital emergency room.

Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the brain and nervous system. It is usually transmitted to people through a bite from an infected animal. Rabies can also be contracted when saliva from a rabid animal comes into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound.

If someone wakes up to find a bat in the room, that is also considered an exposure even if they cannot identify a bite.