Boulder County Reports Rabid Bat in Niwot as 15% of Colorado Bats Test Positive
Updated
Updated · Left Hand Valley Courier · Jun 17
Boulder County Reports Rabid Bat in Niwot as 15% of Colorado Bats Test Positive
3 articles · Updated · Left Hand Valley Courier · Jun 17
Summary
A bat found at a private residence in Niwot tested positive for rabies, prompting Boulder County Public Health to issue a countywide warning.
Boulder County said the case does not signal higher risk in that neighborhood, noting rabies can occur anywhere wildlife is present and about 15% of bats found in Colorado test positive.
The bat was already dead when submitted because rabies testing requires brain tissue, and officials urged residents never to handle bats or other wild animals.
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but prompt treatment after possible exposure can prevent illness; officials said to cover a bat with a container and call public health if contact may have occurred.