The discovery of a rabid bat in Des Moines has prompted state officials to issue a warning against handling the flying mammal. Russell Currier of the State Department of Public Health says a bat doesn’t have to bite you to spread the disease. Of the 25 cases of human rabies since 1981, 22 were associated with bats, and only one was from a bite. Currier says there are some things you can do to keep bats out of your house. First plug up any holes leading from the outside of your home to the attic.Currier says you should have any bats you find in your home tested for rabies. He says quick treatment of a bat bite is important.Washing the wound with soap and water is more helpful in preventing rabies than the treatment. Currier says if you find a bat in your home, use a net or box to capture it. Or he says you should call a professional to do the job.
