This week, the municipal health department in Chapeco, South Carolina, confirmed a case of rabies in a bat. The infected animal was discovered in the Maria Goretti area, close to AABB, and taken for analysis to the Central Public Health Laboratory of Santa Catarina.

A bat infected with rabies was found in the Maria Goretti area of ​​Chapeco. The Department of Health recommends vaccinations for dogs and cats in the region. — Photo: Disclosure/Chapeco City Hall/ND

Rabies is a serious disease that can be transmitted to humans and other animals through the bite or scratch of a rabid animal. Symptoms include fever, headache, agitation, muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing and hydrophobia. The disease is deadly if treatment is not started on time.

To prevent the spread of the rabies virus, the Ministry of Health recommends vaccinating all dogs and cats living within a radius of 300 meters from the place where the bat was found. On Monday, public health officials will visit homes in the region to examine the animals and inform owners about the importance of vaccination.

Vaccination will be free and will take place on Wednesday, December 6th from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at AABB. The action will be carried out by teams from the Small Animal Support Center (NAPA). The Ministry of Health clarifies that only animals in the affected area will receive the vaccine, while others should go to veterinary clinics for immunization.

The health authority warns that residents should avoid contact with bats and other wild animals, and if rabies is suspected, they should contact their nearest health service immediately.