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Beware of bats: danger of rabies in midsummer!
At the Erlangen University Hospital, Dr. Jürgen Held on rabies transmission through bats. Precautions are important.
Beware of bats: danger of rabies in midsummer!
In midsummer, many families and wild animals are out and about, and you can sometimes come across small flying mammals called bats. These useful animals are protected by law and contribute significantly to the fight against insects. But as PD Dr. Jürgen Held from the Microbiological Institute at Erlangen University Hospital warns that one should exercise caution in such encounters. In rare cases, bats can transmit rabies viruses. Germany has not had terrestrial rabies for almost two decades, but the danger still exists in bats.
Current studies in Bavaria show that out of 2,000 bats tested, nine (0.45%) tested positive for bat rabies. However, so far there have been no proven cases of rabies transmission from bats to humans in Germany. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of the risks. Safety comes first: Anyone who comes into contact with a bat should act immediately and seek medical attention if they are bitten, scratched or even have superficial skin injuries. Post-exposure rabies immunoprophylaxis (PEP) typically consists of four to five vaccinations over a four-week period.
Be careful with animals that need protection
Education about the correct behavior in the event of contact with bats is crucial. Identifying the symptoms of rabies is not always easy, as the disease is usually only treatable in an advanced stage. “You shouldn’t wait until symptoms appear because rabies is then no longer treatable,” says Dr. Hero. For example, a 41-year-old patient was treated who came into contact with a bat despite warnings from her children. A young man from near Bamberg also only sought help after three days after a bat scratched him.
Regardless of these warnings, bats continue to be important parts of our ecosystem. The population should be inspired to protect these animals instead of being afraid of them. The summer invites you to learn more about the local fauna and, if necessary, to further educate yourself.
Digital creativity and security
Aside from the topic of rabies, a lot is also happening in the digital world. The popular Adobe Photoshop software, known for its impressive image editing capabilities, offers an easier solution for beginners with Photoshop Elements. This software can be used to spice up portraits, swap backgrounds and apply effects. The 2024 version of Photoshop Elements includes guided edits to help users navigate the jungle of filters and effects. Of particular note is the use of Adobe Sensei, which removes image artifacts and improves image quality.
A look at the price history shows that Adobe offered Photoshop Elements with a significant discount from $99.99 to $54.99 during Prime Day 2024. Unfortunately, this offer was only available for a short time, so bargain hunters had to act quickly. The software is a one-time purchase and does not require a subscription, which makes it particularly attractive.
Whether it's photo editing or protecting yourself from disease, being informed is the key to success. Enjoy the summer, but stay vigilant, whether in nature or online.