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Wisconsin Girl Bitten by Rabid Bat; Rabies Treatment Underway
1 Jul
Summary
- A 6-year-old girl is receiving rabies treatment after a bat attack.
- The bat that attacked her tested positive for the rabies virus.
- Health officials are reminding the public about rabies safety precautions.
A 6-year-old girl in Tigerton, Wisconsin, is receiving life-saving rabies treatment after a bat bit her leg on June 23. The bat, encountered outside her home, was subsequently tested and confirmed positive for the rabies virus by the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department. This event marks the first confirmed rabies case in a wild animal in the county for 2026, though such cases are uncommon in humans.
Health officials are urging residents to educate themselves and their children about the risks associated with wild animals. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe distance and not approaching any wild creature, especially those that appear sick or injured. The incident serves as a stark reminder of rabies prevention, which includes prompt wound cleaning and seeking medical attention after any bite or scratch from a wild animal. Pet owners are also advised to keep vaccinations up to date.
Rabies is a serious viral disease affecting the central nervous system and is nearly always fatal if left untreated. While human cases are rare in the United States, exposure to infected bats is a common cause. Prompt post-exposure vaccination, like the one the young girl is receiving, is nearly 100% effective in preventing the disease.
