August 27, 2003

TWO MORE STUDENTS RECOMMENDED FOR RABIES SHOTS

A total of six students at Northwest School of the Arts have been recommended for post-exposure rabies shots as a result of their contact with bats at the school.  Three more students have been advised to see their doctor to determine the need for the shots.

The Mecklenburg County Health Department's Communicable Disease Control staff will follow-up with just over 100 students and staff members who have not completed a questionnaire, or were not available for personal interviews which were conducted at the school over last several days.

The State laboratory tells us that test results on eight bats shipped to them will be available tomorrow.  Regardless of the results of these tests, recommendations for post-exposure treatment will not change.

D.C. Lucchesi
Public Service & Information
Mecklenburg Co. Health Department
249 Billingsley Road
Charlotte, NC  28211

PHONE: 704.432.0344
PAGER: 704.581.5014
FAX:        704.432.0217
EMAIL: lucchdc@co.mecklenburg.nc.us