For Immediate Release: Aug. 8, 2012 Media Contact: Communication
Office Vermont Department of Health BURLINGTON – The Vermont
Department of Health has noted an increase in the number of
people who are reporting bats (mostly big brown bats) flying
through open windows and doors and getting trapped inside homes
and camps this summer. The Health Department recommends if a bat
is found in a room with someone who was sleeping soundly, or if
a bat is found in the same room as an unattended child, safely
collect the bat for rabies testing. Call the rabies hotline
(800-472-2437) for help on determining if a worrisome exposure
occurred. “The string of hot weather, bugs, and open doors and
windows might explain what we are seeing,” said Robert Johnson,
public health veterinarian. “Bats are an important part of the
ecosystem, but we don’t want people sharing a room with them
overnight without knowing they are negative for rabies.” Only
four of the 65 bats tested so far this year have been positive
for rabies, but becaus