Three bats test positive for rabies in Marabá Paulista (SP)

Marabá Paulista Zoonosis Control Center (SP) — Photo: Marabá Paulista City Hall/Disclosure

Three bats tested positive for rabies after being found dead in Marabá Paulista (SP). The confirmation was released this Saturday (26) by the Municipal Health Department (SMS).

According to the ministry, the animals were found near the ESF Nazaré, in the André Franco Settlement. This is the first case of rabid bats recorded in the city in 2026.

Health professionals located the fallen animals near the population medical care unit and called the zoonoses team to remove them from the location. The three samples were sent for analysis and tested positive for rabies.

Until the last update of this report, there was no record of residents who had had contact with the bats.

The ministry also informed that, after a technical meeting with the state Epidemiological and Health Surveillance bodies, the SMS will intensify, from Monday (28), search and vaccination actions.

Guidance will also be reinforced to residents, especially through social media, so that, in case of contact with animals, they immediately seek a health unit.

An action to intensify anti-rabies vaccination for dogs and cats in the André Franco Settlement will also be carried out as a prevention measure.

"The SMS advises the population not to touch or handle bats, whether alive or dead. We emphasize that the presence of bats in their natural habitat, in itself, does not mean that the animal is sick or poses a risk. However, if a bat is found lying on the ground, dead, in an unusual location or showing abnormal behavior, do not attempt to capture, remove or touch it. Contact the SMS to receive guidance and make the notification", says the ministry in a note to TV TEM.

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