LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) announced Thursday that two individuals were exposed to a bat "acting unusual in the horse barn at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds" on Oct. 21.
According to officials, the bat was not captured for testing and the individuals were advised to begin rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
ADH said any individuals who may have encountered the bat should contact them at (501) 661-2381 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or call the after-hours number at 800-554-5738 for a risk assessment to determine if rabies PEP is needed.
People can also email ADH at adh.zoonotic@arkansas.gov.
Rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted to people through a bite from an infected animal or more rarely from infectious saliva directly contacting a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or open wound. The rabies virus cannot be transmitted through casual contact or being near an infected animal without direct contact.
Officials said bats are an essential part of the ecosystem, but less than 1% of bats are infected with rabies, which makes them ill and behave abnormally.
There is no treatment or cure for rabies once symptoms start, and it is nearly 100% fatal, so ADH advises people to seek timely medical intervention.
For more information about rabies, click here.