Bat captured by Milwaukee resident tests positive for rabies

MILWAUKEE –- The Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) confirmed on Friday, August 14th a positive test of rabies in a bat in the city. The bat was captured by a citizen and tested.

Rabies is a serious viral disease that can be transmitted from infected mammals to humans through a bite, scratch, or when animal saliva comes into contact with broken skin. Officials say rabies can be found in a variety of wild animals such as raccoons, opossums, foxes, and bats. It can also be transmitted to domestic animals, including cats and dogs, from contact with infected wild animals.

Health Department officials remind residents to take precaution around wild or stray animals. If you find a bat or other animal that may be infected in your home, health officials advise safely capturing and containing the animal until a public health official or physician can be consulted.

To limit exposure to animals that may be infected, health officials advise:


    To report human exposure to a bat or animal that may have rabies, contact your local public health department. In the city of Milwaukee, call 414-286-3521. For more information, visit milwaukee.gov/health.