A wild bat that bit a Denver Zoo employee on Sunday has tested positive for rabies and the state health department wants patrons to come forward if they had any contact with a bat while visiting the zoo.
Parents who took their children to the zoo on Sunday should also ask if their child had contact with a bat.
Anyone who touched a bat should contact their local health department or call the state health department at 303-692-2700.
“People can be exposed to rabies when they assist, feed or handle wild animals,” said state veterinarian Dr. Elisabeth Lawaczeck. “While some people visiting the zoo were in the vicinity of the bat, it is not known whether anyone other than the zoo employee had contact with the bat.”
The Denver Zoo says they vaccinate their animals for rabies and do not have any concern that the animals have been infected. The bat was not part of a zoo exhibit.
“We will maintain our diligence but want to ensure our community protects themselves and their pets,” wrote Tiffany Barnhart, spokeswoman for the Denver Zoo.
Simply seeing a bat is not a cause for concern.
However, bat teeth are small and sharp and a wound may not be visible. Rabies can be transmitted through a scratch or if the bat saliva gets into a cut in the skin.
The state health department advises people never to touch a wild bat or any other wild animal.
Healthy bats don’t typically go near enough to be touched unless they are sick.
Use a shovel to pick up a bat and always wear gloves, the health department advises.
Felisa Cardona: 303-954-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com
