Protect yourself from bats, avoid rabies Published Aug. 9, 2010 By Staff Reports 90th Medical Operations Squadron F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. -- Because of rabies concerns, base housing residents and others in the community need to be cautious if encountering bats. Although most bats are not rabid, a bat that is active during the day or one found in an unexpected location, such as on a lawn or in one's home, might be infected. Bats and skunks are the main rabies contributors in Wyoming, and contact with these animals can lead to rabies infections in humans and animals. While bats can be beneficial for insect control, they do present a serious public health threat when they inhabit structures where humans live or congregate. The rabies virus is transmitted primarily in the saliva of the infected animal. People may overlook a bat bite due to the bat's small teeth which may leave marks that disappear quickly. If bitten by a bat - or if infectious material such as saliva or brain material from a bat gets into your eyes, nose, mouth or a wound - wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and get medical advice immediately. Whenever possible, the bat should be safely captured and sent to a laboratory for rabies testing. People can't get rabies just from seeing a bat in an attic, in a cave, at summer camp or from a distance while it is flying. Also, people can't get rabies from having contact with bat guano, blood or urine, or from touching a bat on its dry fur. Rabies is nearly always a fatal disease in humans, but can be successfully prevented if treatment is started promptly after exposure. Any mammal can become infected with rabies. Seek professional advice from your health care provider for the following bat encounters: * Physical contact with or handling a bat even if bite marks are not seen. * Waking up in room in which a bat is present * Finding a bat near an unattended child. Follow these tips to prevent exposure to rabies: 1) Vaccinate pets against rabies. Vaccinating pets can protect them from getting rabies if they come into contact with infected wildlife. This can prevent one's family from being exposed to rabies as well. See a veterinarian for details. 2) Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and warm water. Seek medical advice from a health care provider because the bite may require rabies post exposure prophylaxis treatment. 3) Remember, bat encounters need special medical consideration. Bats' teeth are small; realizing one's been bitten could be hard. If woken up to find a bat in the room or in a child's room or if you have direct, physical contact with a bat, consult a health care provider. They will discuss the possible need for rabies post exposure treatment. 4) Contact the medical clinic at 773-3461 for an appointment during the duty day or after hours. Call public health at 773-3040 for additional information about rabies.