A bat found by a group of children in Janesville tested positive for rabies. Rock County Health Department Environmental Health Director Tim Banwell said the six children who were playing with the bat have already started undergoing treatment for rabies, although none of them tested positive.
Banwell said the incident serves are a reminder that rabies is present in wildlife It is contracted when a person, or another animal, is bitten by an infected animal. The county health department offers tips to avoid the disease, including never handling bats or other wild animals, and being wary of animals that act out of character—such as raccoons or other night animals that are out during the day. Thoroughly wash any wounds or scrapes from an animal bite with soap and water, and seek medical attention. Keep pets vaccinated.
Banwell said it’s the first confirmed case of rabies this summer in Rock County.
WCLO
