Health officials in Timóteo are taking swift action after a bat tested positive for rabies. The discovery, made in the Eldorado neighborhood, has prompted an immediate vaccination campaign for dogs and cats in the surrounding area, officials announced on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The bat was found inside a private residence and subsequently underwent laboratory testing, which confirmed the presence of the rabies virus. This finding serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing risk of rabies and the importance of preventative measures.
Residents of the apartment where the bat was discovered have received guidance from the Timóteo Health Surveillance team. Following the positive test result, a targeted vaccination effort began within a 500-meter radius of the location. This strategy aligns with recommendations from the Ministry of Health and aims to prevent the spread of the disease in urban areas.
“This positive case is an alert for all of us,” said Rosana Lana, Manager of Health Surveillance. “Bats and non-human primates, such as monkeys and marmosets, act as sentinels. When we discover positive animals, it means the disease is close to the population and we need to act quickly.”
Veterinarian Maria Isabella, from the Zoonoses Unit, emphasized the importance of community cooperation. “We cannot control the sylvatic cycle [of rabies], but we can control the urban cycle through the vaccination of dogs and cats. We ask residents to receive the agents and allow the immunization of animals. This is the most effective way to protect the population.”
Vaccination Efforts and Next Steps
The vaccination drive, which began on Friday, March 6, 2026, in the Eldorado neighborhood, saw 265 animals vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination coverage was expanded on Saturday, March 7, 2026. All dogs and cats in the area need to be vaccinated or revaccinated to ensure community protection.
Health Surveillance officials offer the following guidance:
• Do not touch wild animals (bats, marmosets, opossums, etc.), especially if they appear disoriented, fallen, or deceased;
• Do not kill animals. Bats play a role in environmental balance and should be collected by a specialized team;
• If you encounter an animal in these conditions, immediately contact the Zoonoses sector at 3847-7612;
• Allow access to disease control agents and veterinarians for vaccination and guidance.
Health Surveillance reinforces that monitoring and collection of wild animals will continue throughout the municipality. Public participation is essential to ensure collective safety and prevent the spread of rabies.
