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What Is Rabies? How Is It Spread?
Rabies is a viral disease that most often spreads through the bite of a rabid mammal – usually bats, but skunks, raccoons, foxes, bobcats, coyotes and dogs are also known sources of rabies.
- In Idaho, bats are the natural reservoir for rabies. Rabid bats are typically reported between March and November.
- People should not touch or handle bats out in the wild. Bites are considered the primary way rabies is transmitted.
Because rabies is a life-threatening disease, medical advice must be sought promptly. Medical therapy given soon after a possible rabies exposure is extremely effective in preventing rabies.
What Should I Do If I Was Exposed to Rabies?
- Seek medical attention.
- Contact the CDH Epidemiology Department at 208-327-8625. If it is after hours, please call Idaho State Communications and a staff member will be paged: 1-800-632-8000.
- Seek veterinary care promptly if you suspect your pet has been exposed to a rabid animal, even if your pet’s vaccinations are current.
What Can I Do to Protect Myself, Family and Pets?
- Do not touch a bat with your bare hands.
- If you are scratched or bitten by a wild animal seek medical attention.
- If you touch or handle a bat seek medical attention.
- If you come in contact with a bat, save the bat in a container without touching it and contact your district health department to arrange testing for rabies. Your health department will advise you on what to do with the bat. Whenever possible, the bat should be tested to rule out an exposure to rabies.
- Always vaccinate your pets for rabies, including horses. Pets may encounter bats outdoors or in the home.
- Bat-proof your home or cabin by plugging all holes in the siding and maintaining tight-fitting screens on windows.
RESOURCES
- Bat Encounters: What to Do (CDH poster – Download and display – Safety information for your guests.)
- CDC – How to Safely Capture a Bat
- CDC – Rabies Information Page
- CDC – Risk Factors for Rabies from Bats
- CDC – What to Do if You Encounter a Bat
- IDFG – Safely Capture a Bat (video)
- IDHW – Rabies in Idaho
- IDHW – Rabid Bats in Idaho – FAQs
CONTACT
Can’t find the information you need? Please complete the form or give us a call.
Epidemiology
208-327-8625
Environmental Health
208-327-7499
POST/UPDATES
Harmful Algae Bloom Season is Here
The Southwest and Central Health Districts want to inform the public of the risk of illness in the region when recreating in bodies of water that have Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) during the summer months.
Valley and Boise Counties Bats Test Positive for Rabies
Two bats found in Valley County and Boise County respectively tested positive for rabies, making it the first rabid bat discoveries in those counties this year.
First Rabid bat of the season found in Ada County
A bat found in Ada County tested positive for rabies July 12, making it the first rabid bat reported in the state this year.
Rabid bat discovered in downtown Boise; public health officials urge residents to take precautions
A bat tested positive for rabies after it was found Tuesday, July 26 on a sidewalk on Bannock Street, across from Cecil D. Andrus Park in downtown Boise.
