Bat on a Plane Causes Rabies Scare A government report, released
today, reveals that in August of last year 53 people aboard a
commercial flight from Madison to Atlanta were potentially
exposed to the rabies virus by a stowaway bat. While it is not
clear how exactly the bat got on the plane, shortly after
takeoff it was spotted circling around the cabin. It was
eventually trapped in the lavatory. When the plane returned to
the airport maintenance crew members attempted to remove the
bat. But the sneaky bat escaped and officials were unable to
determine whether it was carrying the deadly virus. The bat was
last seen exiting the airport through automatic doors.
Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
say health officials should be prepared to deal with events like
bats (and snakes?) on a plane, “Although a bat, or any wildlife,
aboard a commercial airliner is unlikely, public health
practitioners should be prepared to respond to potential
exposures to rabies and other infectious agents, in