Springfield-Greene Health Department reports rabies in bats, educates public on prevention

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen 1:02 Gregory Holman/KSMU The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is shown in this August 2022 photo. The department stresses vigilance in spite of a low exposure probability. In recent weeks, the Springfield-Greene County Health Department (SGCHD) has detected two rabies cases in bats. While the exposure risk to the public remains low, the health department wants the community to practice prevention.

Rabies is preventable, but it can be fatal to humans. The virus is spread via the bites or scratches of infected animals.

The health department reports that bats will attempt to enter homes for warmth. If you find one in your home, isolate it in a room and contact Animal Control immediately.