A bat has tested positive for rabies in Marion County, prompting county health officials to urge residents to take precautions.
Rabies is a deadly disease that can spread to people and pets through a bite or scratch from an infected animal.
Bats are responsible for 70% of human rabies deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks are the other primary carriers of the disease, the CDC said.
While vaccination after exposure to rabies can be effective, once a person develops rabies symptoms, it is almost always fatal. So, prevention is the best way to protect yourself and pets from the disease, county officials said.
To avoid the disease, Marion County Health and Human Services advises the community to refrain from feeding or handling stray animals and wildlife, avoid contact with bats, keep pets away from bats and ensure pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date.
County health officials have stated that if you see a bat active during the day, inside a building, or on the ground and unable to fly, stay away and call the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 541-388-6363 or a local wildlife control operator.
Additionally, if you come into contact with a bat or are bitten by an animal, immediately clean the wound, seek medical attention and report the incident to Marion County Environmental Health at 503-588-5346.
©2026 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit oregonlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
