Positive rabies case confirmed in Thayer County bat
One Thayer County resident is safely undergoing medical treatment after suffering a bite from a bat infected with rabies. As of now, this is an isolated incident with no widespread threat to the public.
By News Channel NebraskaTHAYER COUNTY, Neb. - One Thayer County resident is safely undergoing medical treatment after suffering a bite from a bat in their home on Wednesday. A release from the Public Health Solutions District Health Department confirms there was a positive case of rabies found in the bat, but stresses that there is no ongoing threat to the public at this time.
According to the PHS release, a bat bit an individual in their home in Thayer County. It was captured, tested for rabies, and confirmed to be a carrier of the disease. The afflicted individual sought immediate medical attention and is undergoing treatment.
As it stands, this is an isolated incident and does not represent a wider threat to the public. Still, PHS stresses that it’s important to be vigilant as bats are common carriers of rabies, which can be deadly in people if not identified and treated before symptoms develop. To maximize your safety, PHS outlines three steps to take when dealing with bats: avoid direct contact with the animals; if a bat enters your home, take steps to capture it safely; and if you believe you’ve been exposed to a bite, seek medical help immediately.
For more information about rabies, prevention tips and steps to combat a potential exposure, visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website.