United States – The Chicago Department of Public Health has warned concertgoers that those who attended a concert recently held at the Salt Shed outdoor venue might have come into contact with bats with rabies, as reported by NBC.
Possible Exposure at Concert
The CDPH described the “possible” exposure as happening at the Goose concert on Sept. 12 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the venue, 1357 N. Elston Ave.
The CDPH pointed out in a press release that bats living in and possibly originating from the Chicago area can be positive for rabies, but not all of them.
Consult Healthcare Providers
“If you were at the concert and were bitten or scratched by a bat or had direct contact with a bat, consult with a healthcare provider about Rabies PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis),” the release mentioned.
Experts advise that exposure risk is for everyone who was in the concert and possibly had contact with a bat, through being bitten or scratched with bare skin touching the animal.
Undetectable Bat Bites
Nevertheless, the CDPH noted that bat bites could be inconspicuous, explaining that bites of this mammal cannot be felt, and the traces cannot be seen because the animal has very small teeth.
The CPDH pointed out that if the attendee was not able to come in contact with a bat during the concert, there was no problem.
“If you were at the concert but did not come into contact with a bat, then there is nothing more you have to do,” mentioned the release. “Moreover, a flying bat poses no threat of rabies.”
Risks And Insights
Rabies is also a viral disease that affects the human and other mammals’ nervous system, said the health ministry personnel, as reported by NBC.
Rabies is caused by the bite of an animal with the virus or a rabid animal as they are commonly known. CDPH said, “Rabies in humans is virtually always fatal.” “Hence, to prevent complications, early and correct rabies PEP must be treated after bat exposure occurs.”
As of the time of writing this article, the Salt Shed has not given an interview to NBC Chicago or responded to a request for comment.