Man makes rabid discovery: Bats in Houston apartment complex

HOUSTON – Elliot Krolcyzk said he has a major problem on his hands in the form of bats at his apartments at the Portofino Landing complex, some that have even tested positive for rabies.

"I've had no help from the office," he said.

He made the discovery while walking his dog outside his apartment late last week.

"When I looked down and happened to see a bat on the ground," said Krolcyzk.

The Harris County Public Health Department confirms that bat tested positive for the potentiality deadly disease.

Flyers have since gone up across the complex warning residents about bats with rabies.

If this story sound familiar -- there's a good reason.

This is the same person, same dog and very same complex a live bat was found back in March that also tested positive for rabies.

Krolcyzk's dog, Bud, had to be quarantined and closely monitored. Krolcyzk is also worried about his own health.

"I feared for my life every day for three months and for my dog's life for three months," Krolcyzk said.

His biggest concern now? What is the complex going to do about the bats?

His warning to them, fix the problem before something far worse happens.

"It ain't no fear, it's a guarantee that someone is going to die from rabies. This is the second case of rabies within eight months," Krolcyzk said.

Here is some handy information from Harris County PHES Veterinary Public Health:

What is rabies?

  • Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system.
  • It can be transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal or through a scratch with the saliva of a rabid animal.

What animals get rabies?

  • All warm-blooded animals, including humans, can get rabies.
  • Dogs, cats and livestock usually get rabies from wild animals.

How can rabies be spread?

  • A common pattern is for a rabid wild animal to bite and infect a dog or cat that could be a family pet.
  • The disease develops in the pet animal and a bite can transfer the infection to other pets and perhaps even humans.

How serious is rabies?

  • The acute period of disease typically ends after 2 to 10 days.
  • Once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal, and treatment is typically supportive.

About the Author:

Galveston-born, award-winning journalist, dog owner, foodie & occasional golfer.