A Bat's Deadly Bite: A Rare Case of Rabies in Minnesota

It's a rare occurrence, but a 65-year-old Minnesotan has recently lost their life due to exposure to a bat with rabies. The incident took place in western Minnesota back in July, and the diagnosis was confirmed on September 20 after testing at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Bats are known to carry the rabies virus, and it's crucial to avoid contact with them whenever possible. If you have physical contact with a bat or find one in your room while sleeping, it's essential to safely capture the bat and get it tested for rabies. The problem is that the bite from a bat can be painless, and the tiny teeth might not leave any noticeable marks. Thankfully, treatment for rabies exposure has proven to be nearly 100% effective when administered promptly. The Minnesota Department of Health is working with the patient's family and healthcare facility to determine if there was additional exposure to the rabies virus and to identify anyone else who might need treatment.