According to a press release from the Rock County Public Health Department, A Rock County bat submitted to the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene has tested positive for rabies. At this time, no human contact with the bat has been reported.
Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. The rabies virus is transmitted through direct contact, usually a bite, from an animal with rabies. The virus is regularly found in wild mammals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. However, bats cause the majority of rabies cases in humans. Rabies can spread from bats to people through small, minor bites that may go unnoticed.
For more information on rabies, contact the Rock County Public Health Department at 608-757-5440 or visit the department’s website at https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/public-health.