Hamilton County Health Department warns of animal bites

Summer months bring increased rabies activity

The Hamilton County Health Department is reminding residents to report all animal bites and take precautions to avoid contact with bats and other wild or unvaccinated animals.

LeMaster

“Residents have reported bites from a racoon, a chipmunk, a snapping turtle, and several bats so far this summer,” Health Department Administrator Jason LeMaster said. “It’s important to remember that rabies activity typically increases during the warmer months.”

Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans, pets, and wildlife. It can be transmitted through a bite, scratch, or exposure to the saliva of an infected animal. Because bat bites or scratches can be extremely small and difficult to detect, any potential exposure should be treated as a significant health concern.

Hamilton County regularly investigates domestic and wild animal bites. When a person is bitten by a domestic animal, the department works with the owner to implement a standard 10-day quarantine. If bites are from a wild or unvaccinated animal that cannot be tested, a rabies vaccine is typically administered.

“Wildlife should never be fed, handled, or treated as pets,” said Dr. Tim Fleck, a Noblesville veterinarian and member of the Hamilton County Board of Health. “Even if an animal appears calm or injured, approaching or trying to help it can put you both at risk. The safest thing to do is to admire wildlife from a distance and contact the appropriate professionals if you believe an animal needs help.”

Bats that are active during daylight hours, unable to fly, or behaving unusually may be exhibiting signs of rabies. If a bat is found inside a home, especially in a bedroom or other area where someone sleeps, residents should:

• Contact local animal control to safely collect the bat
• Contact their healthcare provider or the Hamilton County Health Department to determine whether preventive treatment is necessary.

To prevent bats from entering homes, residents are encouraged to inspect their property for openings larger than one-quarter inch. Common entry points include chimneys, vents, rooflines, gaps behind shutters, and openings under doors or siding.

Rabies prevention reminders

• Do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, stray dogs, or cats.
• Be sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
• Don’t let family pets outside unattended especially at night.
• Keep your property free of stored bird seed and other foods which may attract wildlife and strays.
• Tell children not to touch any animal they do not know and encourage them to tell an adult immediately if they are bitten or scratched by any animal.
• Report all animal bites or contact with wild animals to the Health Department.
• Report any wild animal that appears sick to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish & Wildlife Health Program.

For more information on rabies, visit in.gov/rabies.