Rabid bat found in Chubbuck, SIPH warns of bat contact

Southeastern Idaho Public Health is warning the community to avoid contact with bats since one was found with rabies.

SIPH recommends the following preventative measures:

Make sure your animals are vaccinated against rabies. If you’re unsure your animal needs it, you can check with your local veterinarian. Avoid contact with bats, especially if they’re not acting normal or seem sick. If you do have to come into contact with one be sure to wear gloves, have a bag ready or even use a shovel. Even if you touch a bat with a glove or bag, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.

If you ever wake up with a bat in your room, dead or alive, SIPH epidemiologist Jeff Doerr recommends to always get yourself checked out just in case.

“Their bites could be so small you won’t even realize they’ve done that. They could’ve licked you meaning you’ve had exposure to their saliva,” Doerr said.

To bat-proof your home check to see if there’s any loose roofing or siding. A bat only needs a quarter-sized hole to get in. Also, be sure to check the chimney.