Health Warning Issued After Rabid Bat Found in Cedar Park

News Summary

Health officials in Cedar Park are alerting residents after a bat found at a local Motel 6 tested positive for rabies, marking the second rabid bat identified in just one week. The area’s rabies cases are concerning, as health officials emphasize the importance of taking immediate precautions if residents encounter bats. Symptoms of rabies in both bats and humans can be severe, necessitating swift medical attention if contact occurs. Cedar Park Police are encouraging residents to report any potential exposure to local authorities to ensure community safety.

Cedar Park – Health officials are warning residents after a bat found at the Motel 6 located at 800 Arrow Point Drive tested positive for rabies. This incident marks the second rabid bat identified within Cedar Park in just one week and the third rabid bat discovered in the area this year. Fortunately, the Cedar Park Police Department has reported that no individuals are known to have come into direct contact with this particular bat.

The first rabid bat, identified on May 15, was found at The View apartment complex on 1430 Main Street. Additionally, earlier in 2023, a rabid bat was reported in the 1100 block of Camden Cove in March. These recent findings highlight a concerning trend of rabies in the local bat population.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bats are the animals most frequently associated with rabies transmission in the United States. In fact, most rabies-related deaths in the country are due to exposure to bats, underscoring the importance of understanding the risks associated with these creatures.

Precautionary Measures and Symptoms

Health officials urge anyone who is bitten or scratched by a bat to immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention. It is critical to take these actions promptly, as rabies is a potentially fatal disease if not treated quickly after exposure. In cases where residents encounter a bat inside their home, it is advisable to contact local animal control or health professionals for safe capture and testing.

Rabid bats often display observable behavioral changes. Some of these may include flying during daytime hours, increased aggression, disorientation, and difficulties with flight. Examples of rabies symptoms can also be found in other mammals, such as dogs, which might exhibit excessive drooling, unusual aggression, and trouble swallowing.

Signs of Rabies in Humans

For humans, early signs of rabies can mimic symptoms of the flu, including fever, headache, and anxiety. As the disease progresses, symptoms may develop into more severe issues such as difficulty swallowing and paralysis. Given the severity of rabies, recognizing these symptoms early is essential for effective treatment.

Community Engagement

The Cedar Park Police Department is encouraging residents to report any direct contact with the rabid bat by reaching out to Cedar Park Animal Control at 512-260-4600, extension 0. Officials emphasize the importance of avoiding contact with stray or unfamiliar animals and recommend that pet owners ensure their animals are up to date on rabies vaccinations.

As rabies is a serious disease with fatal consequences if treatment is not administered promptly, community vigilance is vital. Residents are reminded to stay informed about the proper procedures to follow in the event of a bat encounter and to maintain their pets’ health to help protect both their family and the larger community.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Cedar Park Police Warn of Rabies-positive Bat Encounter

Additional Resources

• CBS Austin
• Wikipedia: Rabies
• KVUE
• Google Search: Rabies in Bats
• FOX 7 Austin
• Google Scholar: Rabies Transmission
• MSN News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Rabies
• CBS Austin
• Google News: Cedar Park Rabies