DHEC: One person exposed to rabid bat in Richland County

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control says a bat found in downtown Columbia tested positive for rabies. Officials say one person was exposed to the bat, and they have been referred to their healthcare provider.

According to DHEC, the bat was discovered near Henderson Street and Hampton street. Officials say it was submitted to a laboratory for testing on October 14, and the bat was confirmed to have rabies the following day.

Officials with DHEC advise that you never handle bats or other stray animals with your bare hands, and any bat suspected to have contact with people or animals should be safely trapped in a sealed container, without touching it.

“Rabid bats have been known to transmit the rabies virus,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program Team Leader. “People don’t always realize they or a pet have been bitten since bat teeth are tiny and bites are easy to overlook. Because of this, you should always assume a person or pet has potentially been bitten when:
•    They wake up to find a bat in a room or tent;
•    A bat is found where children, pets, or persons with impaired mental capacity (intoxicated or mentally disabled) have been left unattended; or
•    They have been in direct contact with a bat.”

If you believe your pet has been exposed to a rabid animal, DHEC urges you to contact DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Columbia office at 803-896-0620 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday). To report a bite or exposure after these hours, call the DHEC after-hours service number at 888-847-0902.

For more information about rabies from DHEC, visit scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/insect-or-animal-borne-disease/rabies/.