The Erie County Department of Health is alerting residents to a recent increase in reported bat encounters, and reminding the public that bats can carry rabies, a 100% fatal and 100% preventable, disease. Please take a moment to read through their post - it could save your life!We are alerting residents to a recent increase in reported bat encounters, and reminding the public that bats can carry rabies, a 100% fatal and 100% preventable, disease. Any potential contact between a bat and a person or pet should be treated as a possible exposure. ![]()
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“Our department approved 150 people for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in July, which was the highest total we have ever recorded for that month,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “Based on the calls we have received so far in August, we are in for another record-breaking month. Our public health sanitarians and epidemiologists are skilled in investigating these cases and recommending PEP when appropriate.” ![]()
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Rabies PEP is also known as “rabies shots,” which are a series of vaccines given over several weeks. “If you are uninsured or underinsured, do not let that be the reason you avoid calling us,” said Dr. Burstein. “When ECDOH authorizes PEP, the exposed person can receive that treatment with costs fully covered by their health insurance or by Erie County. Erie County residents do not need to pay any money themselves for rabies PEP.” ![]()
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Erie County residents with concerns about a scratch or bite from any animal, including bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes or domestic pets, can call (716) 961-6800. Bats are the most common animal found to have rabies in Erie County, but they are also the most easily caught and tested. In recent years, raccoons, skunks, woodchucks, foxes and cats have tested rabies positive. ![]()
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Call your health department immediately if: ![]()
• You find a bat inside a home, especially in a bedroom or near someone who was sleeping. Take special care in households with young children, older adults and people with disabilities. ![]()
• You, someone in your household or pet has direct contact with a bat or other wildlife such as raccoons, skunks or foxes. ![]()
• You find a bat in a home and the possibility of contact cannot be ruled out. ![]()
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ECDOH will help assess exposure risk and provide guidance on next steps, including testing of the animal when possible. Rabies is fatal once symptoms begin; do not wait to call (716) 961-6800.![]()
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www3.erie.gov/health/press/bats-your-bedroom-seasonal-increase-bat-encounters-sparks-reminders-ab...
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out and helped make our National Night Out such an incredible success!![]()
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Because of the generosity and support of our community, we raised $1,441 for the local athletes of Special Olympics NY. Together, we sponsored 3 Cheektowaga athletes for the entire year!! We are so grateful to everyone who purchased a meal, decorated a duck, donated, volunteered, or simply came out to enjoy the evening with us.![]()
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A special thank-you goes out to all of our community volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this event possible. We'd also like to recognize everyone who participated in our Touch a Truck area. Your vehicles, demonstrations, and willingness to interact with families helped create an exciting, educational, and memorable experience for so many children.![]()
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Events like this simply wouldn't be possible without the incredible support of our community, sponsors, partner organizations, and volunteers. Thank you for helping us create an evening filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit while supporting an amazing cause.![]()
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A special thank-you to our generous sponsors:![]()
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🚲 Target – for donating two bicycles and two helmets.![]()
🚲 Bert's Bikes – for donating a bicycle.![]()
🚲 Walmart – for donating a bicycle.![]()
🌭 Wegmans – for donating the hot dogs and rolls.![]()
🥤 Sam's Club – for donating the chips and water.![]()
🎬 Greenlight Networks – for sponsoring our Movie Under the Stars.![]()
🍿 Flix Stadium 10 – for providing complimentary popcorn for all of our movie guests.![]()
🔥 Carrubba's Chicken Pit – for generously grilling and serving hundreds of hot dogs throughout the evening.![]()
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Finally, thank you to everyone who attended. Seeing our community come together for a night of fun, friendship, and positive police-community engagement is what National Night Out is all about. We can't wait to see you again next year!![]()
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Target Cheektowaga, Target Walden Galleria, Walmart Supercenter Cheektowaga - Walden Ave, Bert's Bikes & Fitness, Carrubba’s Chicken Pit, Sam's Club, Wegmans, Flix Stadium 10, Greenlight Networks, Special Olympics New York
National Night Out at Town Park goes until 8. ![]()
The ice cream truck just showed up!![]()
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Stop on by for our:![]()
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5 dollar meal deal (hot dog, chips, drink)![]()
Bike Rodeo![]()
Touch a Truck event![]()
Community partners and sponsors table![]()
Polar Plunge Buck for a Duck bike raffle![]()
(4 bikes will be raffled off)![]()
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All proceeds go to local WNY Special Olympics athletes!
Come out to our National Night Out at Town Park. Visit Bumble and our Special Olympics Polar Plunge duck pond for your chance to win one of 4 bicycles by donating a buck for a duck. All proceeds go directly to Special Olympics!
Come on down to Cheektowaga Town Park—the fun is happening RIGHT NOW! Whether you’re here to meet your local first responders, enjoy some great family activities, or just spend a fun summer evening with the community, we’d love to see you!