Nodaway County Health Department urges caution around bats with Rabies risk

NODAWAY COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Nodaway County Health Department is reminding residents to use extra caution around bats and other wild animals, especially when it comes to the risk of rabies. 

The best way to stay safe is to never touch a bat or any unfamiliar wild animal. Avoid contact with wild animals and stray pets whenever possible and make sure your dogs and cats are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Wild animals should never be kept as pets. 

Anyone bitten or injured by a wild animal, seek medical attention right away. It’s also important to talk with a health care provider about whether you may need a rabies post-exposure vaccine. 

If a bat is found inside a home — especially in an area where someone has been sleeping — contact a professional pest control company to safely remove the bat and have it submitted for rabies testing. 

Don’t wait for symptoms of rabies to appear. Once symptoms develop, it is too late for treatment, so prompt medical evaluation after a possible exposure is extremely important. 

If bats are found in homes, especially in areas where individuals are sleeping, be sure to contact a professional pest control company to remove bats and submit them to rabies testing.  

There are also some simple steps you can take to help prevent bats from getting inside: 

1. Do not leave unscreened windows and doors open to the outside.  

2. Make sure windows and doors are screened, chimneys are capped and electrical and plumbing openings in the structure are plugged 

3. Seal openings larger than ¼ inches ½ inch square that would allow access to the attic, basement, walls, or living areas or structure.  

4. Use material to seal or cover gaps and holes.  

The Nodaway County Health Department encourages everyone to use extreme caution around animals, particularly animals that are unfamiliar, to help reduce the risk of bites and potential rabies exposure.