The first day of fall is less than two weeks away, and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) says that humans have a much higher chance to encounter bats as temperatures begin to drop. Bats are one of the leading carriers of rabies, and with potentially more contact with them, people have a subsequent increase in the chance to contract rabies. Rabies is a viral infection that is almost always fatal if left untreated. According to the department, exposure is typically described as an individual bitten by, who had direct contract with or if they were in the same room as a bat and cannot be certain they were not bitten. Experts recommend seeking medical attention if either situation occurs to determine if post-exposure treatment is necessary. For more information about rabies, use the contact points included with this story on our website.
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IDPH Phone Numbers
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: 515-242-5935
24/7 line: 515-323-4360
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