Two more cases of rabies reported in Oneida County
By: WUTR Eyewitness News
Updated: May 29, 2012
Two cases of rabies have been reported so far in April, bringing the total number of cases in 2012 to four.
According to the Oneida County Health Department, one child was exposed to the virus when an infected raccoon attacked a group of children playing outside in the town of Vienna.
A neighbor killed the raccoon, but the child is currently undergoing post-exposure treatment.
An infected bat was found in the bathtub of a Utica home earlier in April.
Both of the residents are undergoing treatment for rabies.
Oneida County Officials remind you to make sure your pet is vaccinated from the deadly virus.
"While most bats aren't rabid, some do carry the virus so it's important that the animal be captured and tested for rabies if there's a chance you or a family member has been exposed," said Bobbi Jo Kahl, Rabies Prevention and Treatment Program Coordinator said.
Officials urge anyone who finds a bat in their sleeping quarters, or that of a child or incapacitated person to capture the animal and contact the Oneida County Health Department at 798-5064 to arrange for testing.
Never allow the bat to escape if there is any chance of human exposure.
An instruction video explaining the proper method to capture a bat can be viewed on the health department's web site at ocgov.net/oneida/health.
According to the Oneida County Health Department, one child was exposed to the virus when an infected raccoon attacked a group of children playing outside in the town of Vienna.
A neighbor killed the raccoon, but the child is currently undergoing post-exposure treatment.
An infected bat was found in the bathtub of a Utica home earlier in April.
Both of the residents are undergoing treatment for rabies.
Oneida County Officials remind you to make sure your pet is vaccinated from the deadly virus.
"While most bats aren't rabid, some do carry the virus so it's important that the animal be captured and tested for rabies if there's a chance you or a family member has been exposed," said Bobbi Jo Kahl, Rabies Prevention and Treatment Program Coordinator said.
Officials urge anyone who finds a bat in their sleeping quarters, or that of a child or incapacitated person to capture the animal and contact the Oneida County Health Department at 798-5064 to arrange for testing.
Never allow the bat to escape if there is any chance of human exposure.
An instruction video explaining the proper method to capture a bat can be viewed on the health department's web site at ocgov.net/oneida/health.
