Three people undergoing post exposure treatment after encountering rabid bat in Lewis County
NEW BREMEN- Three people are undergoing post exposure treatment for rabies after encountering a rabid bat.
Lewis County Public Health Office says that Summer is the peak season for bat activity and reports have certainly been on the rise locally.
If one should find a bat within their home, public health officials say it is best to safely capture it for rabies testing.
According to the Public Health Office, it is possible for a person to have contact with a bat and not know it while asleep.
Therefore, that is why public health officials stress the importance of capturing any bats found within a household.
***Watch video on how to safely capture a bat***
If you happen to find a bat (dead or alive):
- If/when it is safe to do so, confine it to the room where it was discovered and wait for it to land.
- Wearing thick gloves, cover the bat with a small container, such as a coffee can or piece of Tupperware.
- Slide a lid or a piece of cardboard under the container and secure with tape to prevent escape.
- Call Lewis County Public Health immediately 315-376-5453 for further instructions, even if bat escapes or cannot be located. Public Health staff are available 24/7 to assist you.
The Public Health Office reminds local residents and visitors to the North Country that rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted from an infected animal to humans via a bite or a scratch.
For pet owners, the next rabies vaccination clinic is coming up on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Lewis County Fairgrounds.
For any questions about rabies, contact Lewis County Public Health at 315-376-5453.
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