Bat tests positive for rabies, first case in Arapahoe County

Morgan Whitley
·2 min read

DENVER (KDVR) — A bat in Englewood tested positive for rabies, marking the first case in Arapahoe County this year.

The bat was found near Quincy Avenue and Sante Fe Drive.

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According to the Arapahoe County Public Health Department, two people were exposed to the bat and have begun treatment to prevent infection and illness.

The health department is urging anyone who may have come in contact with a bat or has a pet that may have contacted one, especially near Quincy Avenue and Sante Fe Drive, to reach out to their health care provider or the health department at 303-734-4379. Those who call will be evaluated for risk and start treatment if needed.

So far this year, there have been four identified cases of rabies in animals. In 2023, there were 55 cases and 47 were in bats, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

According to the Arapahoe County Public Health Department, a rabies infection is almost always deadly in humans and animals once symptoms appear.

Rabies is often transmitted through a bite or scratch from a rabid animal or through the infected saliva.

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The health department said bats and skunks are the primary carriers of the disease, but any mammal can get infected with rabies.

“It’s important to take possible exposure to rabies seriously, even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal. For example, if you have a bat in your home, it can be difficult to even know if you’ve been bitten, as bat bites are tiny, often painless and can happen quickly while you’re trying to catch the animal or are asleep,” said Melissa Adair, communicable disease epidemiology manager.

How to prevent a rabies infection

Rabies cases in humans and pets are rare, but the Arapahoe County Public Health Department has tips residents can take to prevent the risk.

  • Vaccinate all pets and livestock against rabies and keep them away from any wildlife, dead or alive. Keep all pets on a leash.

  • Do not feed or touch wild animals, including baby animals.

  • Have conversations with children about staying away from wildlife and notifying an adult immediately if they encounter an animal.

  • Learn more important prevention tips, including what to do if you or a pet does come into contact with an animal, tips for hunters, how to keep wildlife away from your home and more.

If you see an animal acting strangely or appear to be sick, the best thing you can do is contact your local animal control or Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

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