Stay Safe Around Bats and Prevent Rabies Exposure
September 17, 2026
Launch the media gallery 1 playerHastings, Nebraska – South Heartland District Health Department (SHDHD) officials are notifying residents of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties to take bat exposures seriously and know what to do if a bat is found inside a home.
SHDHD executive director Michele Bever said that bats are the most common source of rabies exposure in the United States, and rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms begin.
“We are experiencing higher numbers of bat-related exposure reports this year, making prompt reporting and bat testing more important than ever,” Bever said. “This serves as an important reminder that avoiding contact with bats and reporting possible exposures can help protect you and your family.”
In a September 10, 2026 health alert, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted a nationwide increase in reported human rabies exposures and increased need for post-exposure treatment. The CDC reported receiving 17% more rabies-related inquiries from July through August 2026 than during the same period in 2025.
Fizza Raza, SHDHD’s health surveillance coordinator, noted local trends are similar to the national trends. “Bat-related exposure investigations in our health district have also increased compared to last year. We logged six (6) bat exposure reports in all of 2024, compared to eighteen (18) bat exposure reports to date in 2026. Out of fourteen (14) bats that were able to be tested this year, one tested positive for rabies.”
What should I do if I find a bat in my house?
Keep bats out of living spaces by sealing openings around homes. If you find a bat in your home and there is any chance of exposure, safely capture the bat instead of releasing it. Safely capturing and testing a bat involved in a potential exposure can help determine whether treatment is necessary and may prevent unnecessary medical treatment.
Safe Bat Capture Tips
• Wait until the bat lands on a wall, curtain, or floor, wear thick gloves and avoid direct contact with the bat.
• Place a container, coffee can, or small box over the bat. Slide a piece of cardboard between the container and the surface.
• Keep the bat secured and contact SHDHD officials for testing instructions.
• For more detailed instructions visit the CDC’s website:
https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html
Why is testing the bat important?
Rabies testing can determine whether post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), commonly known as rabies shots, is necessary. PEP is highly effective at preventing rabies after an exposure, but it can be costly and time consuming. If the bat is not available for testing, PEP may be recommended because rabies cannot be ruled out. Situations that may require evaluation include:
• A bite, scratch, or direct contact with a bat, or a bat found in a room with a sleeping person.
• A bat found in a room with a young child or someone unable to report contact.
• A pet that may have had contact with a bat.
For more information, contact South Heartland District Health Department at 402-462-6211 (Toll Free: 877-238-7595).
https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/rabies.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html
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