HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONTINUES TO SEARCH FOR CONTACTS TO RABID BAT

For Immediate Release:
May 3, 2002

Contact:
Mary Martin, Public Health Manager
573/874-7356

HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONTINUES TO SEARCH FOR CONTACTS TO RABID BAT

The Columbia/Boone County Health Department is continuing the investigation of possible human exposures to a rabid bat found at Peace Park in Columbia April 28th during Earth Day celebrations. A total of four persons have been identified and have received post-exposure vaccination as of today.

The Health Department has received further information that needs to be verified. According to one child, a 5-year-old girl named Madeline was playing by the creek and may have had contact with the bat. There may have been other children who handled the bat at that time. Officials with the health department are requesting that anyone with information about this child or any others contact the Health Department immediately at 573/874-7356, or Animal Control at 573/449-1888.

According to officials with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, it is important to get out this message statewide, as attendees at the Earth Day celebrations could have come from other parts of the state.

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