OUTAGAMIE COUNTY (NBC 26) — Outagamie County Public Health confirmed the first bat to test positive for rabies in the county in several years, marking the 19th case statewide this year.
Amanda Hildeman, communications specialist for Outagamie County Public Health, said while it's not uncommon for bats to test positive for rabies, it is uncommon for the disease to spread to pets and humans if proper medical guidelines are followed.
"We actually haven't had a positive bat or positive rabies result in Outagamie County for several years," Hildeman said.
When a potential exposure occurs, the health department follows up with individuals to determine the level of risk.
"Where we come into place is we get a report that a potential exposure took place. We then follow up with that person. We say 'hey, did you touch the bat?' 'Was the bat alive when you found it?' 'Did you get bitten or scratched?'" Hildeman said.
The last four cases of human rabies in Wisconsin occurred in 1959, 2000, 2004, and 2010. All four Wisconsin cases acquired the disease from infected bats.
Health officials stress the importance of safely capturing any bat found for testing purposes.
"It is so important that if you can safely capture the bat, that you do so because if we have to send it for testing, then you will know and you won't have to go through a series of vaccinations to prevent rabies from impacting you," Hildeman said.
Pet vaccination is equally critical, according to Joe Becker, president of the board of directors at Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary in Green Bay, which also has a location in Outagamie County.
"Rabies is almost 100% fatal. Once the symptoms are present, the animal—or person—is going to die. Please, please, please get your animals vaccinated," Becker said.
The sanctuary ensures all cats in their facility are properly vaccinated or scheduled for vaccination.
Outagamie County Public Health is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the week and maintains an after-hours phone line for non-emergencies.
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**Below is a previous version of the story which was published before the over-the-air broadcast story.**
Public health officials are urging neighbors to take precautions after a bat in Outagamie County tested positive for rabies.
Officials did not provide details about the exact location where the bat was found.
According to the Outagamie County Public Health office, human rabies in the United States is rare, but the most recent positive test in a bat serves as a reminder of the need to protect both people and pets.
Health officials say rabies is a deadly but preventable disease that is mostly spread to people and pets through the bite of scratch of an infected animal.
According to Outagamie County Public Health, here are some ways to prevent rabies:
- Keep your dogs, cats, ferrets, and other animals up-to-date on vaccines (all dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies)
- Never touch bats or wild animals
- Do not let pets roam free
- Do not attract wild animals
- Cover garbage cans securely and do not leave food outside
- Prevent bats from entering your home
- If a bat is found inside your home, do not release it until you have spoken with the health department, as testing may be necessary
“Keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccination is the most effective way to protect your family and community,” said Natalie Vandeveld, Health Officer of Outagamie County Public Health. “Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is entirely preventable with vaccination.”
Health officials add the most effective way to prevent rabies infection is immediate, thorough cleansing of the animal bite of scratch wound with plenty of soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes. Also, seek medical attention right away.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, there have been 19 total reported positive rabies results in Wisconsin in 2025 so far.
