Rabies: What You Need to Know

By Arika Tenbrook, Public Health Registered Nurse

Since May 2026, three rabid bats have been found in Douglas County. Let’s discuss some facts about this virus to increase awareness and reduce fear. It is important to know that rabies is always present in 1-4% of bats and outbreaks do not commonly occur in bat populations.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a zoonotic virus that can infect all mammals, including humans, and is universally fatal once symptoms start. Symptoms can develop within a few days, months, or up to a year after exposure.

What animals are most likely to carry rabies?

All mammals can carry rabies. In our area, racoons, skunks, foxes, and bats are the most common vectors. In the United States, approximately 4,000 animal  rabies cases are reported each year. 90% of cases are in wild animals and about 10% are in domestic animals. In the United States, 70% of rabies cases are linked to bats, but only bats make up 1/3 of reported cases in animals. Bat bites and scratches are often difficult to detect, so people fail to seek medical treatment.

How common is human rabies in the U.S.?

Human rabies is rare in the United States, thanks to good animal vaccination rates and the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). On average, 1-3 people die annually from the virus in the U.S. Yearly, 1.6 million Americans seek medical care for potential rabies exposure, and about 100,000 receive PEP.

How does rabies spread?

Rabies spreads to humans through bites and scratches from infected animals but can also spread if saliva contacts a mucous membrane like the mouth, eyes, or nose. Even scratches and bites that do not draw blood can result in rabies infection.

What counts as exposure?

If you are bitten or scratched by a wild or unvaccinated animal, seek medical attention immediately! Rabies may not be obvious, or the animal may have little to no symptoms. Bat bites are often difficult to detect. If you wake up and find a bat in your home, or if you find a bat in a room with an unattended child or person  who is unable to tell you if they have been bitten, it is wise to seek medical attention after any physical contact with a bat.

How can I prevent rabies?

Never touch or interact with wild animals, especially racoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. Rabies vaccines are mandated by law for all dogs. It is recommended that  other pets, such as cats, be vaccinated as well. Some counties may require feline vaccination. Rabies vaccinations are also available for livestock. Vaccination is recommended if you are planning travel to a country where rabies is common and healthcare access and continuity are limited. It is also wise to consider travel insurance.

What do I do if I am exposed?

Even if you have received a rabies vaccination in the past, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that you receive PEP after an exposure. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Seek immediate medical treatment at the nearest emergency room. Some urgent care facilities are equipped to provide PEP, but you should call first to avoid wasting time if they do not have the means to provide treatment.

DO NOT WAIT TO SEEK TREATMENT! The longer you wait to seek medical care, the higher chance you have of PEP being ineffective or developing symptoms before it can be administered.