Programs & Services Nursing Services - Bats - Portage County
Health Department Rosemary Ferraro R.N., B.S.N., Nursing
Director Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rabies is an
infectious viral disease affecting the nervous system of humans
and other mammals. People cannot get rabies from contact with
bat feces, blood, urine, or by touching its fur; but bats should
NOT be handled with bare hands. People can get rabies from the
bite of an animal infected with rabies. How can I tell if a bat
has rabies? Rabies can be confirmed only in a laboratory by
examining the brain tissue. However, any bat active during the
day, found where bats are not usually seen, or unable to fly, is
more likely than others to be rabid. Therefore it is best to
never handle any bat with your bare hands. What is considered a
rabies exposure? NOT an exposure: When should the health
department be contacted? If you have exposure or potential for
exposure - for either humans or pets - contact the nurses at
330-296-9919. Additional informatio