Health Care Services investigates possible rabies exposure

Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS), Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and Animal Control authorities are advising area residents of a possible rabies exposure at the Heritage Celina Homeowner's Association (HOA) community pool located at 1231 Standford Lane, Celina, TX 75009. A bat was seen in the pool and within the pool complex on the afternoon of July 1st, 2022. The bat has not been located for testing, but due to its behavior, it may have been infected with rabies.

If you or your child had any type of physical contact with a bat at the Heritage Celina community pool, please contact the Collin County Health Care Services Epidemiology Program as soon as possible. Physical contact includes touching, petting, or holding a bat in any way. CCHCS' phone number is 972-548-4707 during business hours. For after hours and holiday calls, please contact Collin County Sheriff's Dispatch at 972-547-5350 and ask for the Epidemiologist on call.

If your child was in or near the area of the pool, please ask them if they had contact with any animal. Children may confuse sick bats with mice, frogs, puppies, kittens, or other animals.

Rabies is a viral illness that can be transmitted to humans through an infected animal's saliva. The illness can be prevented with treatment before symptoms begin. However, once a person has symptoms, the disease is always fatal if left untreated. Animal contact may lead to exposure to rabies. Humans who have been bitten, scratched, or touched the saliva of a rabid animal must have a series of shots to prevent them from becoming infected with rabies. Infected animals can transmit the rabies virus prior to the onset of symptoms. For more information about rabies, please visit the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/rabies.

If you see a bat on the ground, do not touch it and contact your local Animal Control department immediately. All household pets should be vaccinated against rabies as they can also become infected by bats and other animals.

CCHCS will continue to coordinate with DSHS, the City of Celina, and the Heritage Celina HOA regarding this exposure.