FARMINGTON – After receiving increased reports of people coming into contact with bats, the New Mexico Department of Health and local medical facilities have urged people to stay away from bats and visit a doctor immediately if they suspect they have been bitten or scratched by a bat.
Because of high temperatures and the prolonged drought, bats are falling from their perches during the day, according to a news release sent by the state health department. In extreme heat, bats might display unusual behavior and appear sick, the news release said.
San Juan Regional Medical Center hasn’t reported an increase in bat bites or scratches, but Dr. Robert Underwood, chief medical officer at the hospital, said Wednesday the increased bat sightings could bring an increase in bites and the potential of rabies.
“Bats certainly have a higher occurrence of rabies than other animal species,” Underwood said. “That’s the biggest concern when coming in contact with a bat.”
Rabies is a viral disease often spread through the bite of an infected animal.
“The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death,” the health department said.
In the past 2½ years, Underwood said, the hospital has had one definite case of contact between a bat and a human. Most bats do not carry the rabies virus.
“So there haven’t been many, but if you do come in contact with a bat, it's important that you seek medical care,” Underwood said.
Do not try to catch the bat and take it to the hospital, Underwood said.
Underwood also urged people to leave bats alone because of their vital role in our ecosystem.
“It doesn’t mean people should go around and kill bats,” Underwood said. “They are a valuable asset to our biosystem around here, especially in the way they eat insects.”
If you come into contact with a bat or its saliva, wash the exposed site immediately with soap and water, the health department said, and report the bite.
To determine whether a rabies vaccination might be necessary, call the health department at (505) 827-0006, available 24 hours a day.
mmitchell@durangoherald.com
