Third rabid bat discovered at Fort Hood

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

08.08.2014

Courtesy Story

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center

FORT HOOD, Texas – The Fort Hood Veterinary Center (VETCEN) was notified Thursday, Aug. 7, that a dead bat was found on the Fort Hood Golf Course. The bat was given to a wildlife rehab specialist who brought the bat to VETCEN personnel. It was submitted for rabies testing at the Texas Department of Health Services Laboratory which notified the VETCEN of the positive test result. Fort Hood Veterinary personnel and Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Preventive Medicine are currently investigating this case for possible exposures.

According to Dr. John Kuczek, officer in charge of the Fort Hood VETCEN, “If you find a bat in your home or building it is imperative to call a professional to retrieve it and have it tested for rabies.”

If you need assistance with retrieving a bat or animal, call the Military Police at [phone].

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death. The early symptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of many other illnesses, including fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort. As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (increase in saliva), difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms.”

This is the sixth identified case on Fort Hood since May 12. The first case involved a skunk that was sighted during daylight hours acting strangely in a motor pool on Motorpool Road. The second case, on May 16, involved a dark gray and white kitten that attacked a Fort Hood resident outside a home on Central Drive on post. The third case, June 6, involved a young fox which was thought to be injured when found in the vicinity of the LV Phantom area and building 53905 near Clarke Road. The fourth and fifth cases, July 17 and 28, involved bats found near the Department of Public Works motorpool.

Public Health Command and the Fort Hood Veterinary Center strongly urge all Fort Hood Soldiers, civilians, contractors and residents to be aware and avoid handling wild or stray animals.

If you notice any wildlife or stray animals acting abnormally, or displaying neurologic or aggressive behavior, please contact the Military Police at [phone]. If you believe you have already come into contact with an animal displaying any of these symptoms please go directly to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Emergency Department for immediate care.

Get more rabies information by visiting these websites: www.cdc.gov/rabies or http://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/discond/aid/Pages/Rabies.aspx.

• Date Taken: 08.08.2014
• Date Posted: 08.08.2014 19:25
• Story ID: 138827
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US