By Allison Peck
A bat collected in North Platte has tested positive for rabies, according to the West Central District Health Department.
Health officials say rabies in bats is not unexpected, but are reminding residents what to do if they or their pets may have come into contact with a bat or another potentially rabid animal.
Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system and is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected animal. Bat bites can be very small and may go unnoticed, meaning an exposure is possible even when a person does not remember being bitten.
“We want people to know what to do if they or their pets have an encounter with a bat,” said Meghan Trevino, executive director of WCDHD. “Bats are a normal part of our environment, and most of the time there is no cause for concern. The important thing is knowing what to do if you are bitten or scratched, if your pet has contact with a bat, or if you just aren’t sure what happened.”
What to do after contact with a bat
Anyone who has been bitten or scratched, or believes they may have had contact with a bat, should:
- Wash the area immediately with soap and water.
- Contact a healthcare provider and WCDHD as soon as possible so the situation can be evaluated.
- If possible, safely contain the bat without touching it with bare hands. Do not release or dispose of it until speaking with WCDHD or animal control, as testing ma