Rabid Bat Found At Casa Grande School

The Pinal Co. Division of Public Health is currently working with the Casa Grande School Superintendent's Office & Casa Grande Animal Control to investigate a rabid bat which was found & captured on the grounds of Palo Verde Elementary School on Sept. 6th. The agencies are conducting an investigation to find out if any adults or children were exposed to the bat.

Health officials are emphasizing that people should avoid handling dead or sick bats. "Parents should talk to their children about not picking up or touching bats & to tell an adult right away if they find one," said Tom Schryer, Director of the Pinal Co. Division of Public Health. "It is important to teach children not to handle unfamiliar or wild animals. If you suspect your child has been exposed to a rabid animal, call your health provider or local health department immediately."

Any person been exposed to a rabid animal is provided with anti-rabies treatment. This treatment consists of one dose of immune globulin & 5 doses of rabies vaccine over a 28-day period. Current vaccines are relatively painless & are given in the arm, like a flu or tetanus vaccine.

If you have questions about rabies, call the Pinal Co. Division of Public Health at 520-866-7319, or you can find additional rabies info at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website.