The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is providing guidance on what Kansans should do if they encounter a bat in their home. 

 

The recent hot weather brings increased bat activity. Bats are an important part of the Kansas ecosystem but they are also a common carrier of rabies. While rabies is fatal for both humans and animals the viral disease is also preventable.

 

Wildcat Extension Agent Adaven Rohling says, if you encounter a bat, avoid handling it with your bare hands.

 

This is especially important if you find a bat in your home. If there was no direct contact with a bat and the bat was not found in a room with a sleeping person, the situation is generally safe. The bat can be carefully captured and released outside. However, if direct contact occurred, or if you woke up to find a bat in your bedroom, rabies testing may be necessary.

 

If you are unsure whether your encounter with a bat means you were potentially exposed, contact your doctor, local health department, or the

KDHE Epidemiology Hotline  by calling 877-427-7317, option 5 or email kdhe.epihotline@ks.gov. To learn more about bats in Kansas, follow this link,