Idaho Public Health-North Central District received positive laboratory results for a rabid bat in Idaho County. Rabid bats have been identified in almost all regions of Idaho over the years, and north central Idaho is no exception.
Rabies is a rare disease in humans, but one or more fatal human cases do occur almost every year in the U.S., mostly from rabid bat exposures. Rabies is essentially 100% fatal, but it is nearly always preventable by reducing exposures to wild and unvaccinated animals and medically managing animals and individuals who may have been exposed to rabid animals early after an exposure.
- To protect yourself and your pets, Public Health has some tips:
- Do not touch a bat with your bare hands.
- If you have had an encounter with a bat, seek medical attention immediately.
- If you come in contact with a bat, save the bat in a container without touching it and contact your local Public Health District to arrange testing for rabies, which is a free service.
- Always vaccinate your pets, including horses. (Public Health Idaho)
