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The state completed tests on the dead bat, found Nov. 29 in a Springer Road home, and the raccoon, which was either killed or found on Nov. 30 a Woodside Circle resident’s Coonhound.
In both instances, the residents contacted Fairfield Police Department's Animal Control Division to help in removing the infected wildlife.
“That was heads up by the residents to call for help,” Lt. James Perez told the Daily Voice on Friday.
In any case involving a wild animal, especially one suspected of having rabies, residents should call the police and animal control, he said.
The two rabies cases in two days, however, is not a cause of concern for Paul Miller of Fairfield Animal Control.
“We know [rabies] is always present. It’s not going away,” Miller said. “Rabies has peaks and valleys. It’s possible that what is happening is we are going into a peak. But, it’s more likely this was just a coincidence.”
Miller said that a few years ago a similar case occurred in Greenwich, where a dead bat was found in a home. A child died after the family disposed of the animal without having a rabies test done, he said.
“Bats can land on you and bite you when you’re asleep,” Miller said. “They could bite you when you’re asleep and you wouldn’t know it because their teeth are so small and sharp.”
In the Greenwich case, the child never knew she had been bitten. She came down with rabies and died.
In the case involving the bat on Springer Road, the two grandparents who found the bat followed proper protocol, MIller said. They -- along with their three grandchildren who were staying at the home -- are all receiving post-exposure treatment at Bridgeport Hospital, he said.
In the case of the Woodside Circle dog, the canine is well vaccinated and by state law is being quarantined inside the home for 45 days, Miller said.
Although the Woodside Circle pet may be safe, Miller said it is important to have an emergency plan in case your pet is attacked by a rabid animal.
“It’s very easy to contract rabies,” Miller said. “The first thing people do when they see their dog has been bit is run over to it to see if it’s OK.”
Any general contact with a pet that has come in contact with a rabies-suspected animal can help pass the virus along, Miller said. He told the Daily Voice that you should not touch your dog for at least an hour after contact, and when you do to wear gloves.
According to Miller, quarantining the animal immediately for at least an hour is your best bet. It keeps the animal away from human contact and allows any of the virus that may be present on the dog or in its saliva to dissipate.
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