Emergency Bulletin

The following Emergency Notices are provided for your information.  These postings will be updated as information changes during any city emergency. 

NEWS RELEASE

August 6, 2018 For further information, contact: Holly Jeffryes, REHS Linn County Environmental Health Program (541) 967-3821 x2374 LINN COUNTY BAT TESTS POSITIVE FOR RABIES Public health officials are warning area residents to take precautions after a rabid bat was found in Scio. A Scio resident discovered a sick bat on their property July 24th.  The bat was sent to the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory for testing.  Results confirmed the bat was positive for rabies.  Authorities emphasize the main protection for humans is to make sure pets are vaccinated and avoid contact with stray animals and wildlife.  Public health officials advise taking extreme precautions before attempting to handle a bat. If it is necessary to pick up a bat, it is best to wear heavy gloves, use a shovel or both. According to Emilio DeBess , public health veterinarian with the Oregon Health Authority, bats are the most common carriers of rabies in this state.  About 10% of the bats tested for rabies are positive every year.  So far in 2018, 9 bats have tested positive for rabies in Oregon. Do not approach bats, wildlife, or other mammals seen exhibiting odd behavior.  If you find a bat, stray animal or other wildlife on your property, take children and pets indoors and call the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at (866) 968-2600. In the event of bat contact such as a bite or scratch, an attempt should be made to safely capture the bat for testing for the rabies virus. Efforts should be made to collect the bat without destroying the head and the bat should be kept in a cool place.  Immediately seek medical attention and report the incident to Linn County Environmental Health at (541)967-3821 x2374. For more information about rabies, please visit the Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division website at: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/RABIES/Pages/rabie s.aspx  Or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at:  https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html 

SCIO DRINKING WATER IS SAFE

Attention Scio Citizens: The recent Oregon Emergency Management Alerts associated with the Salem and Turner water contamination has “nothing” to do with Scio’s water source.  The City of Scio draws it’s drinking water from an artisan well source, Scio’s Water is clean and safe. Thank you, Ginger Allen Scio City Manager