Because bats are very active this time of year, the potential to be exposed to rabies increases, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
“Several bats have tested positive for rabies over the last few months and we expect to see many more,†said Dr. Tom Safranek, DHHS state epidemiologist.
“We want to remind Nebraskans to be careful around bats and other wild animals like skunks, foxes, coyotes and racoons or domestic stray animals like cats and dogs which are less likely to be vaccinated. These animals could potentially have rabies and transmit it to people.â€
To date, 10 animals have tested positive for rabies in 2016 -- seven bats, two skunks and one bovine. In 2015, there were 28 confirmed rabies cases in animals.
No human cases of rabies have occurred among Nebraskans since the 1920s, according to DHHS.
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Rabies is caused by a virus that affects the nervous system. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected animal or if saliva from a rabid animal gets directly into an open wound or a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth. Rabies is generally fatal without preventive treatment.
To prevent the spread of rabies, DHHS recommends:
* Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date for all animals you own.
* Seek immediate veterinary assistance for your pet if it’s bitten by a wild animal or exposed to a bat.
* Call your local animal control agency about removing stray animals in your neighborhood.
* Do not touch, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
* Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. Do not try to nurse sick, wild animals to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
* Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. “Love your own, leave other animals alone†is a good principle for children to reduce the risk of contact with rabid animals.
* Maintain homes and other buildings so bats can’t get inside.
* If a bat is in your house, don’t let it outside until you talk to animal control or public health officials. If you can do it without putting yourself at risk for physical contact or being bitten, try to cover the bat with a large can or bucket, and close the door to the room.
If you think you’ve been bitten by a bat:
* Seek immediate medical attention if you’ve been in direct contact with or bitten by a bat.
* If you wake up and find a bat in your room, you should try to safely capture the bat and have it tested. The same precautions should be used if you see a bat in a room with an unattended child.
* If you or a family member has been in close proximity to a bat, consult your doctor or local health department to determine if you might have been exposed to rabies and need preventive treatment.
* People often know when they’ve been bitten by a bat but its small teeth can make a bite mark difficult to find. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Try to safely capture the bat or call animal control, have the bat tested and seek medical advice.
Find more information on bat-proofing your home go to .
For general information about rabies go to .