Officials Issue Warning: Bat Infected with Rabies in Cascade County

Cascade County Health Department officials are warning the public about a bat reportedly infected with rabies.

Yeah, this is serious stuff but don't worry - there's no need to panic as long as you take the right approach... and listen to what officials are saying.

Bat with Rabies Reported in Cascade County

According to a release from the Cascade County Health Department, a bat in Cascade County tested positive for rabies.

"On Friday, August 28, Cascade City-County Health Department confirmed that a bat from Cascade County tested positive for rabies," Cascade County Health Department said in their release.

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"State and local public health officials urge Montanans to be aware of the risk for exposure to rabies."

Is Rabies Deadly?

Yes. According to the Center for Disease Control, "primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if medical care is not received before symptoms start."

Those initial symptoms include Flu-like illness including weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache. They also include discomfort, prickling, or an itching sensation at the site of the bite - yikes!

But don't worry, there is good news.

No Need to Panic About Rabies!

Officials say that preventative treatment is 100% successful and that the last "identified human death in Montana occurred in 1997."

That should help us sleep a little better at night, am I right?

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Some the tips that officials are sharing mostly fall under the category of common sense but just in case: don't handle wild animals, especially bats.

Also, make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies, put screens up on openings on your house, and of course, call a health provider immediately if you think you've come into contact with an animal that has rabies.

Stay safe!