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Unexpected Bat Encounter Costs South Kansas City Man Big Bucks

News Summary

A South Kansas City resident, Simon Manzo, faced an unexpected and costly encounter when a bat crawled on his chest during the night. Despite securing the bat and releasing it, Manzo sought rabies treatment, incurring a shocking medical bill of $14,000 due to being uninsured. The incident highlighted potential entry points for bats in his apartment and serves as a cautionary tale about animal interactions and emergency treatments.

Unexpected Bat Encounter Costs South Kansas City Man Big Bucks

In South Kansas City, a surprising encounter has turned into a wild and costly adventure for resident Simon Manzo. It all began when he was enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep, shirtless, and woke up to find a bat crawling on his bare chest. Imagine the shock! Manzo described himself as “not mentally prepared” for such a surprising visitor.

Quick to react, he managed to corner the little creature and secure it in a container before releasing it outside. His roommate, Finnigan Bagby, speculated that the bat might have slipped into their apartment through the vents or gaps under the door. This encounter, however, would lead to a series of unexpected events, including an expensive medical bill.

A Watchful Eye from the Experts

After the bat incident, the Kansas City Healthy Homes program came to inspect the apartment. Their findings suggested possible entry points for bats, including issues with the fireplace and some exterior holes in the basement. Surprisingly, this was the first time the apartment complex had received a bat-related complaint according to a city spokesperson.

Despite no visible bite marks, Manzo decided to visit the hospital to get checked for rabies, a potentially deadly virus often transmitted through animal bites. The urgency became clear when the doctor explained his dire chances of survival without the rabies vaccinations: a terrifying 20/80 chance of dying.

The Price of Safety

Facing such a daunting risk, Manzo chose to undergo the rabies treatment, a decision that would have major financial implications. As it turns out, Manzo is currently uninsured, leading to a shocking bill of $14,000 for the vaccinations. Manzo expressed disbelief at the price tag, calling it “crazy,” and it certainly raises awareness about the high costs of emergency treatments.

What We Know About the Bat

A bat ecologist from the Missouri Department of Conservation later identified the bat as a big brown bat. Fortunately, this species is usually harmless to humans. Despite low rabies infection rates—less than half of one percent of bats carry the virus—experts recommend seeking medical advice if there’s any direct contact with these often misunderstood creatures.

In hindsight, Manzo wished he had contacted animal services right away. If the bat had been captured for testing, he might have avoided the hefty medical expenses altogether. Instead, this encounter serves as a valuable lesson in caution in the event of unexpected animal interactions.

Apartment Complex Response

As for the management of the apartment complex, they reported finding no evidence of bats during their check-up. They noted that they took action to address other unrelated maintenance issues as revealed by the Healthy Homes inspection.

So, whether you’re an animal lover or simply someone who enjoys a good night’s sleep, this story serves as a timely reminder to stay alert and prepared for the unexpected. As the words go, “Expect the unexpected!” This time, it came in the form of a furry little visitor that turned a simple night into a costly adventure.