COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho- A Kootenai County family was exposed to a rabies-infected rat in early February.
The Panhandle Health District (PHD) responded to a call from a family whose dog had been exposed to a bat with rabies symptoms.
The bat was tested by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, which confirmed that the animal had rabies.
The family received shots which are regularly administered to people who have been exposed to animals with rabies, and the dog who was exposed is receiving veterinary care.
PHD advises anyone who comes into contact with a bat on their property to avoid touching it and to call their local health district following an exposure. The department also encourages vaccinating all pets for rabies to prevent transmission if a household animal does come into contact with the virus.
