A bat in the Kendrick Lake neighborhood of Lakewood tested positive for rabies, and health officials urged caution around wild or stray mammals, especially during the summer.

Rabies cases in wild mammals typically increase in the warmer months, and the virus can jump to people or pets when they have contact with an infected animal’s saliva. Statewide, 12 wild animals that tested positive have exposed eight people and seven domestic animals to rabies so far this year, according to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Most recently, a bat in Englewood exposed two people.

Jefferson County Public Health advised people who’ve touched a wild animal or a stray pet whose vaccination status they don’t know to call a health care provider to assess if they need preventative treatment. Just under 100% of people and animals who develop rabies symptoms die of the virus, so treatment needs to start as soon as possible after exposure.

“One of the most important things we can do to prevent the spread of disease is to not touch and keep distance from wildlife,” Rachel Reichardt, an environmental health specialist with Jefferson County Public Health, said in a news release.

The agency recommended the following steps to prevent rabies:

• Make sure pets and livestock get their rabies shots

• Don’t touch wild animals, especially if they appear sick or are behaving strangely

• Teach children to avoid wild or stray animals, including dead ones, and to tell you if they get bitten or scratched

• Keep pets away from wild animals

Jefferson County Public Health said the bat was the first animal to test positive in the county this year. Last year, the county confirmed five skunks and three bats had rabies. Most rabies cases in Colorado are in skunks or bats, although a handful involve other mammals.

Originally Published: June 14, 2024 at 2:19 p.m.