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Health officials in Lapeer County say that while they have yet to record a case of rabies this year, it's just a matter of time. According to Stephanie Simmons, director of the county health department, there were three cases of rabies in Lapeer County last year and four the year before.

"The message we keep trying to give people," said Simmons, "is don't handle or approach unknown animals."

Simmons said her office investigated 208 animal bites in the county last year and 297 bites the year before. She said she sends about six animals a week to the state Department of Community Health (MCDH) in Lansing for testing. Rabies is a viral disease usually transmitted from animal to animal, but can infect humans as a result of an animal bite. The virus is found in the saliva of infected animals and is spread either by bite or scratch from the infected animal. Animals most affected are skunks, raccoons, foxes and bats. Domestic animals, if not properly vaccinated, can also become infected and spread the virus.

The boyfriend of the Davisburg woman who was bitten in Groveland Township is also receiving the series of five rabies shots, even though he wasn't bitten, because he came into contact with the dog's saliva.

Simmons said state health officials recommend people who wake up and find a bat in their room receive the shots, if the animal can't be caught and tested. She said that's because it can be difficult to tell if someone has been bitten.

Bats, along with skunks, raccoons and foxes are the most commonly infected animals. However, the MCDH has recorded cases of rabies in cows, sheep and horses. Simmons said she's even seen goats with the disease.

In domestic animals, said Simmons, the "course of the disease is quite swift," with death following infection in about 10 days. She said that while county ordinances only require vaccinations for dogs, health officials recommend cat owners have their pets vaccinated as well.

The only way to positively test for rabies in animals requires killing it.

Simmons noted that while there is a preventative vaccine available for humans, health experts recommend it only for people who are in constant contact with unfamiliar animals.

While the bulk of the animal bite cases investigated by the Lapeer County Public Health Department involve dogs, Simmons said any sick or injured animal can pose a threat.

"It's amazing to see people stop their car to help an animal," she said. "As much as I understand their compassion, it's a dangerous thing to do."

If a person is bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies that can't be caught for testing, health officials urge they undergo treatment for rabies, which consists of a series of five injections administered over a 28-date period.

Simmons noted that while animals can be infected with rabies any time of the year, it seems to spike between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

She said anytime someone sees an animal in distress, they should call Lapeer County Animal Control at (810) 677-0236.

Phil Foley may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8148 or pfoley@lapeergroup.com.