This morning, Riggins Elementary made contact with Idaho North Central District in regards to a bat found on our playground and submitted for testing. The bat was found to be positive for rabies.
This is a common occurrence in Idaho. We have conducted interviews with students and none have admitted to touching the bat. At this time we feel confident that there was no exposure through contact. Rabies is rarely transmitted to people, but when it does, it is most commonly through a bite or scratch. If you have concerns or your student is believed to have touched or witnessed someone touching the bat with bare hands, please contact the health district in Lewiston at (208)799-3100.
If you see wild animals that are acting strange, leave it alone and contact the health district.
A copy of the press release has been posted on the school district Facebook page and the health districts page.
For more information, the CDC has numerous documents for you to access.
https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/exposure/index.html