Rabies Exposure Confirmed After Bat Bite in Copperas Cove, TX

Anybody who knows me knows I love animals, even more than I love people. I'm sure I'm not alone, but the sad reality is that a lot of animals don't love us back, especially when they're sick. Sadly, one person in Copperas Cove, Texas got a harsh reminder of this over Easter Weekend when they were attacked by a rabid bat.

WAIT, WHAT HAPPENED?

According to the Copperas Cove Police Department, an animal control officer was called shortly before 7PM Wednesday, April 5 after a person was bitten by a bat in the 400 block of Lutheran Church Road.

The person managed to kill the bat and take it with them to the hospital. The bat was sent for testing, and on April 7, officials were able to confirm that the animal was infected with rabies. Authorities did not comment on the current condition of the person bitten.

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HAVE YOU OR YOUR PETS BEEN EXPOSED?

Cove PD released information about the incident today (April 10), and asked that anyone who thinks they or their pet have had contact with a bat in the area (or might know someone who has been) give them a call at (254) 547-5584. If it's after business hours, call (254) 547-8222). You should also call them if you see any wild animals acting erratically or aggressively.

Most importantly, get yourself to a doctor and your pet to a veterinarian immediately to make sure you're ok. You do not want to sit and wait on rabies.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTONS RABBIES?

Rabies infections are most common in bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes.

If you’re not exactly sure if you have rabies, the symptoms of rabies infections in a human include fevers, headaches, respiratory difficulties, and fatigue. The disease can cause paralysis, hyperactivity, and even a coma.

Signs to watch for in pets are fever, chewing at the site of the bite or infection, erratic behavior, aimless walking, general restlessness, irritability of the skin, sensitivity to light, and aggression. Your pet may act in what seem like unusual and unnatural ways.

If you suspect any of these symptoms are appearing in you or your pet, do not hesitate to seek care.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

Citizens in Copperas Cove or warned not to approach or touch any type of wild animal, and keep their pets from having contact with wild animals as well.

Authorities recommend covering your garbage cans and not leaving pet food outside that might attract animals that could carry rabies and other disease transmittable to pets and humans.