August 21, 2024
The Polk County Health Department has reported that a bat tested positive for rabies. The agency has not released where the bat was found in the county, only that it was submitted for testing following "an encounter with a human."
The Polk County Health Department is urging people to not handle wild animals or approach unfamiliar animals. The public is also being asked to report any exposure to bats (bite or non-bite) to their local health department.
Barron County Public Health, (715) 537-5691
Dunn County Public Health, (715) 232-2388
Polk County Public Health, (715) 485-8400
St. Croix County Public Health, (715) 246-8263
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), animal rabies cases in this part of the state are rare. In 2018 — the last year for which the agency released statewide data — there were no animal rabies cases in Barron, Dunn, or Polk Counties, and there was one case in St. Croix County. The most common "wildlife reservoirs" in the state that carry rabies are bats and skunks.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, the DHS recommends the following protocol:
"One of the most effective ways to prevent rabies infection is immediate, thorough cleansing of the animal bite or scratch wounds with liberal amounts of soap and water for 10-15 minutes.
It is important for bite victims to notify their local health department (or local law enforcement when public health staff are unavailable) whenever a bite occurs to ensure that the biting animal is appropriately and legally observed or tested for rabies. It is also vital not to release or destroy a biting animal until a public health official or an animal control officer is consulted. The victim's physician should also be notified promptly."
Pet owners should also make sure that their cats' and dogs' rabies vaccinations are up to date. Visit our Resources for Pet Owners in West Central WI if you are in need of low-cost vaccinations for your pets.
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