South Idaho Has Its First Rabies Case Of Season After Bat Tested

A report detailing the first case of confirmed rabies in a bat in southern Idaho this season has surfaced out of Ada County. The Idaho Department of Health is currently investigating the matter.

The first confirmed rabies case of the summer involving a bat has been reported by multiple state sources including idahonews.com. Bats are most active between the months of March and November, according to skedadlewildlife.com.

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The most recent incident reported out of Ada County involved a pair of dogs who were exposed to the animal, according to idahonews.com. Rabies is most commonly spread by infected animals through bites.

Symptoms of rabies include fever and headache, and can be fatal if not treated. In 2021, a single Idaho resident died from being exposed to a rabid bat. Bats are most active between dusk and dawn, and are known to be aggressive toward other animals and humans at times.

Bat populations are heaviest in desert and woodland surroundings, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). If you come into contact with one and believe you may have been bitten, it's important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Rabies can spread quickly through the body and can severely damage internal organs if untreated.

It's also important to keep pets away from known bat locations. Rabies can repeatedly be passed on by infected animals. For more information on protecting yourself and pets against rabies, click here.