A bat found at the Arches at Oracle Apartment Complex late last week has tested positive for the rabies virus. Officials from Pima Animal Care Center were contacted by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and responded to find the live bat in a box outside the apartment complex.
The bat was removed on Wednesday May 4th but it is unclear how long the bat was in the area before being removed. According to reports, people were seen gathering around and touching the box prior to the bat being reported.
Pima County Health Department is asking anyone who came into contact with that bat to notify the Department immediately by calling (520) 724-7797. People who live at or visited the Arches at Oracle Apartments but did not have contact with the bat are not at risk.
“Having reports of people possibly touching the bat or it’s saliva is most concerning to us,” said Dr. Francisco Garcia, Health Department Director. “We very much need to speak with anyone who had physical contact or who’s pet had contact with the bat so that we can ensure their risk is appropriately assessed.”
Humans and pets can get rabies from direct physical contact such as a bite or scratch from an infected animal. It may take weeks to years for people to show symptoms after being infected. However, once someone starts developing symptoms, that person usually does not survive.
Please remember that if you see a bat or any other wildlife acting oddly or on the ground, do not touch it. Stay away and immediately notify the Pima Animal Care Center by calling (520) 724-5900. The fastest way to receive updates about rabies cases in our community is to follow the Health Department on Facebook or on Twitter.
The Pima County Health Department is dedicated to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of our community through leadership, collaboration, and education. For more information, visit the Health Department website.
Return to Pima County FYI