BURLINGTON – On October 19, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s fifth case of rabies for the year.

On October 19, Alamance County Health Department was notified that a dog came in contact with a bat on Hickory Lane in Burlington. The health department sent the bat to the State Laboratory for Public Health for testing and the bat was positive for rabies. The dog was reported to be current on its vaccinations and did receive a vaccine booster. There was no direct human contact with the bat.

If you live in this area and have outside pets, you should examine them for any wounds that may have come from contact with this bat and notify animal control or the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if you have questions or concerns.

If you are bitten by any animal:

• Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
• Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department.
• Do not try to catch any wild or stray animal

“The best way to protect your pet from rabies is by vaccinating them and keeping up-to-date on vaccinations,” states Environmental Health Director Terri Craver. “It is the law in North Carolina.”

Tractor Supply on Garden Road vaccinates cats and dogs every Saturday. Call 336-586-9222 for more information. In addition, Pet Supermarket on South Church Street vaccinates dogs and cats every other Sunday. Cost is $21.00. For more information, call 336-584-8044.

Last year, Alamance County had three confirmed animal cases of rabies.

For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the health department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.