Post by L Roebuck on Apr 27, 2006 11:03:29 GMT -5
FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Rabies Risk a Concern after 'Prank'
The Arkansas Division of Health is warning that University of Arkansas students who touched or handled a wild bat or bats during an incident in Yocum Hall earlier this month could be at risk for contracting rabies. Any students who came in contact with the bats are advised to contact the Pat Walker Health Center immediately.
Dr. Sandra Snow, medical director of communicable disease and immunizations at the Arkansas Division of Health, said, "All students who touched the bats or slept in a room with free roaming bats have been told they need to be evaluated for the possibility of taking rabies vaccine."
Students who did not come in direct contact will not need treatment.
Earlier this month UA police investigated an apparent student "prank" in which about a dozen wild bats were released into a room at Yocum Hall. Fayetteville animal-control officers were called in and removed the animals.
Investigators say the bats are believed to have been taken from a cave at Devil's Den State Park. University police have questioned three students about the incident. Removal of bats from a cave may violate state or federal laws if the bats are listed as a protected species. The students could also face disciplinary action by the university.
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Any wild mammal can have rabies and transmit it to humans.
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. This can happen if a person is bitten or if saliva from one of these animals gets into the eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound of a person. In most cases people know when they have been bitten; however, bats have small teeth which may leave marks that are not easily seen, so there are situations in which the exposure is not recognized. People cannot get rabies from simply seeing a bat, having contact with bat guano (feces), blood or urine, or from touching a bat on its fur.
Rabies is a potentially fatal disease but it can be prevented by anti-rabies treatment. A few people in the United States die of rabies each year, usually because they do not recognize the risk of rabies from contact with a wild animal and do not seek medical advice. The usual incubation period for rabies in humans is three to eight weeks. However, incubation periods of six years or longer have been documented.
Health officials warned students that unless they were absolutely sure that they had not been bitten, scratched, or that mucus membrane exposure (eyes, nose, mouth) did not occur they should be treated with Rabies Immune Globulin and complete a series of Rabies Vaccines. This treatment is available at Washington Regional Medical Center Emergency Room in Fayetteville.
Anyone who is at risk should contact, the Pat Walker Health Center, 575-4475. Lyn Edington, R.N.C., Nurse Manager or another health care provider will discuss the risk with patients and assist them in taking the correct steps to assure their safety. Dr. Susan Weinstein, DVM, Department of Health and Human Services, (501) 661-2893, is also available to answer any questions
University of Arkansas - Daily Headlines
Additional Information:
CDC-Bats and Rabies
Bat Conservation International
Medscape: Knowledge of Bat Rabies and Human Exposure Among US Cavers
Rabies Risk a Concern after 'Prank'
The Arkansas Division of Health is warning that University of Arkansas students who touched or handled a wild bat or bats during an incident in Yocum Hall earlier this month could be at risk for contracting rabies. Any students who came in contact with the bats are advised to contact the Pat Walker Health Center immediately.
Dr. Sandra Snow, medical director of communicable disease and immunizations at the Arkansas Division of Health, said, "All students who touched the bats or slept in a room with free roaming bats have been told they need to be evaluated for the possibility of taking rabies vaccine."
Students who did not come in direct contact will not need treatment.
Earlier this month UA police investigated an apparent student "prank" in which about a dozen wild bats were released into a room at Yocum Hall. Fayetteville animal-control officers were called in and removed the animals.
Investigators say the bats are believed to have been taken from a cave at Devil's Den State Park. University police have questioned three students about the incident. Removal of bats from a cave may violate state or federal laws if the bats are listed as a protected species. The students could also face disciplinary action by the university.
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Any wild mammal can have rabies and transmit it to humans.
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. This can happen if a person is bitten or if saliva from one of these animals gets into the eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound of a person. In most cases people know when they have been bitten; however, bats have small teeth which may leave marks that are not easily seen, so there are situations in which the exposure is not recognized. People cannot get rabies from simply seeing a bat, having contact with bat guano (feces), blood or urine, or from touching a bat on its fur.
Rabies is a potentially fatal disease but it can be prevented by anti-rabies treatment. A few people in the United States die of rabies each year, usually because they do not recognize the risk of rabies from contact with a wild animal and do not seek medical advice. The usual incubation period for rabies in humans is three to eight weeks. However, incubation periods of six years or longer have been documented.
Health officials warned students that unless they were absolutely sure that they had not been bitten, scratched, or that mucus membrane exposure (eyes, nose, mouth) did not occur they should be treated with Rabies Immune Globulin and complete a series of Rabies Vaccines. This treatment is available at Washington Regional Medical Center Emergency Room in Fayetteville.
Anyone who is at risk should contact, the Pat Walker Health Center, 575-4475. Lyn Edington, R.N.C., Nurse Manager or another health care provider will discuss the risk with patients and assist them in taking the correct steps to assure their safety. Dr. Susan Weinstein, DVM, Department of Health and Human Services, (501) 661-2893, is also available to answer any questions
University of Arkansas - Daily Headlines
Additional Information:
CDC-Bats and Rabies
Bat Conservation International
Medscape: Knowledge of Bat Rabies and Human Exposure Among US Cavers