Garland Is 3rd North Texas City In 6 Weeks To Report Rabid Bat: 'We Believe Human Exposure Occurred'
GARLAND, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - The Garland Health Department has received notification of a laboratory confirmed case of rabies in a bat.
The animal was captured near the 700 block of Maple Glen Drive on Thursday, Sept. 10.
"We believe a human exposure occurred," the city said in a news release Thursday.
All parties have been notified by Texas Department of State Health Services and Garland Animal Services.
This is the third laboratory confirmed case of rabies in an animal in Garland this year.
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The rabies virus is relatively rare in North America and is occasionally found in wild or domesticated animals including, but not limited to dogs, coyotes, skunks, foxes, raccoons, and bats. Infection of humans can occur if virus-laden saliva from a rabid animal is introduced through a bite, scratch, or mucus membrane (such as the nose).
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Without treatment, infection is almost invariably fatal.
To reduce the community's risk to rabies, residents should regularly vaccinate their pets and should report any pet or wild animal exhibiting erratic or abnormal behavior to Garland Animal Services.
Residents can call 972-205-3570 with questions, or to report a potential exposure to the rabid bat.
