By Shereen Siewert
A case of rabies has been confirmed in a bat discovered in a Wausau basement, according to a Facebook post by Humane Officer Ashlee Bishop.
The bat, found last week, was tested for rabies because it could have come into contact with humans or pets in the home. The test came back positive, Bishop said.
Just two people in the U.S. have ever survived rabies, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Worldwide, only 14 victims have survived since data has been recorded.
Rabies in humans is rare, thanks in large part to animal vaccination efforts, the CDC reports.
Bishop said all cats and dogs should have a rabies vaccine by the time they are 4 months old. The first vaccine is good for one year only, followed by a 3-year vaccine. Rabies vaccines must be given by a licensed veterinarian.
A free pet vaccination event is being held Saturday for Wausau, Schofield and Weston residents. The free rabies vaccine and $10 microchips are available while residents license their pets for 2020. The event is being hosted from 8 a.m. until noon Saturday, March 7 at the Department of Public Works, 400 Myron St., Wausau.
