Shannon Carroll, a 10-year-old girl has died yesterday of rabies in Indianapolis. She had been bitten by a rabid bat in June and had been hospitalized since early October. Her death marks Indiana's first case of rabies in nearly 50 years. More than 30 of the girl's relatives, friends and classmates were offered injections to prevent the spread of the disease. Some parents whose children attend the girl's school in Bourbon, 25 miles south of South Bend, worried about possible exposure since rabies can stay dormant for more than a year.

Recent Rabies cases in Indiana
Written on 10-20-06

Don’t play with the cute little bats this Halloween! 13 rabies + cases in bats diagnosed last year in Indiana. First human case in the state since the 1950’s!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2006

STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS REPORT RABIES CASE

INDIANAPOLIS— State health officials today announced the first human case of rabies in Indiana since 1959. The victim is an individual from Marshall County, who is currently stable. Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain and nervous system of humans and other mammals. It is transmitted through a bite, and this individual was bitten by a bat.

"Although rabies is rare, it is nearly always fatal," said State Health Commissioner Judith A. Monroe, M.D. "If anyone is bitten by a bat or other suspected rabid animal, they should seek medical attention immediately."

Rabies post-exposure-prophylaxis is one dose of rabies immune globulin on the first day of treatment plus a dose of vaccine in the arm. A dose of vaccine is given in the arm 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after the first dose.

“Early intervention is the key to preventing rabies," said Dr. Monroe. "I also urge Hoosiers to take precautions to avoid bat bites. “The first step is to bat-proof your house. Second, don’t handle bats.”

“We are working closely with the State Department of Health to thoroughly investigate this case and to ensure that all of the appropriate follow up is done in a timely manner,” said Local Health Officer Byron Holm, M.D., Marshall County Health Department. “This a very serious disease, but we also want the public to know there are steps they can take to protect themselves and their families from exposure, and the first step is to avoid bats.”

Other precautions include:

1.) If you or other family members are awakened by a bat or a bat is seen in the room of a child or disabled person, try to capture the bat in a sealable container. If caught, do not release the bat. Submit it to your local health department for rabies testing.

2.) To capture a bat, you will need leather work gloves, a small box or coffee can, a piece of cardboard, and tape. When the bat lands, place the box or can over it, and slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside. Tape the cardboard to the container and punch small holes in the cardboard to allow the bat to breathe. Contact your local health department to submit the animal.

3.) If you are bitten, or come in close contact with a bat, immediately discuss it with your local health department and physician to determine whether or not you should receive treatment.

4.) If you believe your pet has been bitten, contact a veterinarian.

5.) Contact a pest control specialist, for assistance in bat-proofing your home. Bats can enter through a hole as small as one-quarter inch.

For more information on rabies, visit the Indiana State Department of Health Web site at: www.statehealth.in.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

CONTACTS: Jennifer Dunlap, ISDH, 317-233-7090
Byron Holm, M.D., Marshall County H.D., 574-936-7777