LIBERTY – The Sullivan County Public Health Department has confirmed that a bat in the Livingston Manor area tested positive for the rabies virus.
This is the first confirmed human exposure incident involving a laboratory-verified positive animal this year.
Rabies is common throughout New York State, with the vast majority of cases in raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and woodchucks.
Authorities say avoiding contact is your absolute best way of protecting yourself from this fatal disease.
Health officials say all wild animal bites should be reported to the county health department at 845-292-5910.
Rabies is 100 percent fatal if not promptly treated with rabies post exposure prophylaxis.
Officials also said pets should be kept up to date on rabies vaccinations. A vaccination clinic has been scheduled for September 16 at the Narrowsburg Firehouse from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pre-registration is requested by calling 845-292-5910. Another clinic is being scheduled in the Town of Rockland.
Signs of rabies in wild animals include aggressive, uncharacteristic behavior, such as attacking objects of people; losing fear of humans; difficulty walking or staggering; paralysis of the legs or jaw, loss of coordination; difficulty swallowing and a fear of water; and drooling or foaming at the mouth.
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