15 Bitten By Bats
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15 Bitten By Bats
March 12, 2008
La Union is a poor community of Santiago located one kilometer from the Pan-
American Highway. The town, in addition to not having roads, drinkable water or
electricity, has yet another reason to suffer: Bat bites.
In the last two weeks, at least 15 of the area’s residents have been victims of bat
bites.
Francisco Rosales is one of the affected. One morning after waking up, she noticed
that her sheets were wet. It was blood. She had been bitten by a bat at daybreak.
The same had happened to 7 of her family members, including children and the
elderly.
“This is a bat epidemic that is severely affecting us, not even the youngest children
are safe,” commented Cecilio de Leon, another resident of La Union.
Representatives of the Ministry of Agricultural Development (Mida) already visited
the community and promised they would deliver a quick response. “Like us, they
were worried,” added De Leon.
Edwin Sclopis, a veterinarian of Mida, indicated that they will initiate a bat hunt when
the moon is full, in order to have more light. This will take place after Semana
Santa.
Furthermore, Sclopis said that he has asked the Ministry of Health to perform
vaccinations on a massive scale in order to prevent illness, since bats can transmit
rabies. “This illness is confined to Eastern Panama, Colon and Darien, but
sporadic outbreaks have been recorded in other parts of the country, which can
present a risk.”
<<Return to News
15 Bitten By Bats
March 12, 2008
La Union is a poor community of Santiago located one kilometer from the Pan-
American Highway. The town, in addition to not having roads, drinkable water or
electricity, has yet another reason to suffer: Bat bites.
In the last two weeks, at least 15 of the area’s residents have been victims of bat
bites.
Francisco Rosales is one of the affected. One morning after waking up, she noticed
that her sheets were wet. It was blood. She had been bitten by a bat at daybreak.
The same had happened to 7 of her family members, including children and the
elderly.
“This is a bat epidemic that is severely affecting us, not even the youngest children
are safe,” commented Cecilio de Leon, another resident of La Union.
Representatives of the Ministry of Agricultural Development (Mida) already visited
the community and promised they would deliver a quick response. “Like us, they
were worried,” added De Leon.
Edwin Sclopis, a veterinarian of Mida, indicated that they will initiate a bat hunt when
the moon is full, in order to have more light. This will take place after Semana
Santa.
Furthermore, Sclopis said that he has asked the Ministry of Health to perform
vaccinations on a massive scale in order to prevent illness, since bats can transmit
rabies. “This illness is confined to Eastern Panama, Colon and Darien, but
sporadic outbreaks have been recorded in other parts of the country, which can
present a risk.”
<<Return to News
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