BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)......With a record number of reported bat bites and rabies tests reported in Erie County last month and, another busy month expected in August, officials are warning residents to take all the necessary precautions when it comes bats and other infectious wildlife.
Erie County's Department of Health, in July, reported 150 people were tested for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Most were from bat bites.
More bites are being reported this summer because of the warmer than expected weather and more infectious animals being spotted around the county.
Dr. Gail Burstein, Erie County Commissioner of Health, said with warmer weather and bats' mating cycles, it is quite common for bats - especially female bats - to look to houses because they are cooler and more food is available.
"Sometimes, they just want to be in a house," Dr. Burstein said.
Testing is critical, says Dr. Thomas Russo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Chief of Infectious Diseases.
"Rabies can be 100% fatal if you let it go," Dr. Russo said. "If you start experience some symptoms, it is probably too late."
Symptoms may start with a fever or headache along with severe itching or tingling near the bite spot. Later symptoms include confusion, trouble swallowing and a fear of water.
Rabies isn't limited to bats. Racoons, skunk and fox also carry rabies that can be fatal to humans and their pets.
Dr. Russo suggested bats, especially in the warm weather months, try to enter homes through broken screens and small cracks between siding and the roof on many homes.
"You should make sure your house is sealed up well," Dr. Russo said.
Open windows with damaged screens make it easy for a bat to enter a house and at night, someone can be bit and not realize what has happened.
Dr. Russo suggests if one thinks they have been bitten by a bat - or any other infectious carrying animal - get the PEP test.
"Prevention is the key," Dr. Russo said.
Dr. Russo suggests contacting personal physicians or the Erie County Department of Health.
Erie County reporting a record number of bat bites this summer
Erie County reporting a record number of bat bites this summer
