Rabid bat found at Priest Lake

PRIEST LAKE — A dead bat discovered by a woman walking along the shore of Priest Lake tested positive for rabies on Friday.

The woman unintentionally handled the rabid bat whiling picking up debris on July 7, according to health officials at the Panhandle Health District.

The Idaho State Lab test confirmed the bat was infected with rabies. The woman is receiving post-exposure prophylaxis vaccine treatments as a precaution to prevent illness.

On Saturday a Liberty Lake girl was bitten by a bat that tested positive for rabies.

“In this case, we don’t believe anyone was bitten by the rabid bat,” said PHD staff epidemiologist Dave Hylsky. “Transmission of rabies may also occur if the saliva, blood or fluids from an infected animal comes in contact with a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or open wound. We want to take every precaution to ensure anyone in contact with an infected animal is protected.”

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