Austin Public Health is trying to locate four individuals who rented kayaks from the Waller Creek Boathouse on Friday, March 10, 2017 and reported “scooping a bat out of the water” and placing it in the kayak. The bat could not be found so it cannot be tested for rabies.
Staff at the Waller Creek Boathouse believe the renters may have been from Russia. If you know who these individuals are or you are the persons mentioned, please call Austin Public Health at 512-972-5555.
Rabies is transmitted only when the virus is introduced into a bite wound, open cuts in the skin, or onto mucous membranes such as mouth or eyes. It may take several weeks or longer for people to show symptoms after being infected with rabies. The early signs of rabies can be fever or headache, but this changes quickly to nervous system signs such as confusion, sleepiness, or agitation. Once someone with a rabies infection has the advanced symptoms, that person usually does not survive. This is why it is critical to talk to your doctor or health care provider right away if any animal bites you, especially a wild animal.
For more information contact:
Austin Public Health: 512-972-5555
DSHS HSR7 Zoonosis Program: 254-778-6744
