A rat thought to have rabies that was found in La Pine recently actually did not have the disease, according to the Des-chutes County Health Department.

The rodent, which was picked up by a dog and discovered by the dog’s owner, preliminarily tested positive for the virus but further tests conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed the rat was not rabid. In general, state and local health department officials said rodents are not known carriers of rabies in Oregon but the virus is commonly found in bats.

It is possible that a rat could be infected if bitten by an infected bat, but health officials believe it is unlikely in that case that a rodent would live long enough to infect other animals.

Rabies is a viral infection affecting the central nervous system that is nearly always fatal once a person shows symptoms of the disease, according to the CDC. Early symptoms include headache and fever, but they typically progress to confusion, sleepiness or agitation.

Because of the seriousness of rabies, health officials warn that unvaccinated pets that are exposed will either be euthanized or placed under a strict six-month quarantine.

For more information on call 322-7418 in Deschutes County, 447-5165 in Crook County and 475-4456 in Jefferson County.