A bat found in Bellevue has tested positive for rabies.
The Sarpy-Cass Health Department says this is the first animal this year to test positive for rabies in either county. Health officials say if you wake up and find a bit in your bedroom or see a bat in a room with an unattended child, mentally disabled person, or intoxicated person, you should suspect an exposure to rabies. You should contact the Nebraska Humane Society to have the bat captured and tested for rabies. If the bat tests positive, the person exposed will need treatment.
This is the time of year when bats begin trying to get into homes to stay warm at night. Experts say you should seal or cover any openings to your home such as crawl spaces, chimneys, attics, porches or garages with thick wire screen to prevent entry by wild animals.
