The following is a press release from the City of Lubbock
The City of Lubbock Health Department and City of Lubbock Animal Services are asking the public to help identify an adult male who may have been exposed to a rabid bat.
The City is still looking for the man who dropped off a bat at the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on October 5th around 7:30 a.m. The man was driving a white extended cab Chevrolet pickup truck with a toolbox in the back. The bat tested positive for rabies, and it is important that this individual is found.
Anyone who comes in contact with a rabid animal should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Rabies is a viral illness that can be transmitted to humans through an infected animal’s saliva. The illness can be prevented with treatment before symptoms begin. However, once a person has symptoms, the disease is almost always fatal.
Anyone with information on this possible rabies exposure or who can identify the man should contact the City of Lubbock Health Department at 806-775-2935 or Lubbock Animal Services at (806) 775-2712.
The City of Lubbock reminds people to avoid contact with wild animals and have pets vaccinated against rabies as required by law. Anyone bitten by an animal should:
- Quickly and thoroughly wash the bite with soap and water, rinse it well, and put an antiseptic on it to kill germs.
- Report the bite to animal control so the animal may be placed in rabies observation or submitted for rabies testing.
- See a doctor as soon as possible so the doctor can decide if vaccinations to prevent rabies are needed.
- For more information on Rabies visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies
(Press release from City of Lubbock)
