Officials warn about rabid bats found in Phoenix area
Jun 16, 2018, 4:37 PM | Updated: Jun 21, 2018, 1:59 pm
(Richard Spitzer/U.S. Fish and Wildlife via AP, file)
(Richard Spitzer/U.S. Fish and Wildlife via AP, file)
PHOENIX — A rabid bat was found on the ground in a Costco parking lot near Cave Creek and Beardsley roads in north Phoenix on Wednesday, Maricopa County health officials said.
That’s the second rabid bat that has been found in the Phoenix area over the last week.
Anyone who touched a bat recently should see their doctor and get tested for rabies, said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, the medical director for disease control at Maricopa County Public Health.
“Although (rabies is) almost 100 percent fatal, if you get treatment right after you’re exposed, the vaccine and other treatment we have is very effective,” she said.
Officials said a cat near Costco might have had contact with the bat, according to the Associated Press.
Bats on the ground are more likely to have rabies.
“Cats and dogs are both want to play with bats that are on the ground,” Sunenshine said.
“It’s important for people to vaccinate both their cats and dogs to prevent them from getting rabies.”
KTAR News’ Ali Vetnar contributed to this report.
