Health officials warn against bats

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By the Lincoln Journal Star

Nebraska health officials say a national shortage of rabies vaccine has made it especially important that people not come into contact with bats that might be carrying the virus.

Late summer and fall is the most common time for bats to be found in houses and apartments.

Cases of human rabies are rare in the U.S. And the last human case in Nebraska was reported in 1926.

But health officials warn that bat bites are very superficial and easily overlooked. People can be bitten while they are asleep and not be aware of it.

So far this year, nine bats have been found to carry rabies in Nebraska. Last year 14 bats were found to have rabies.

The rabies virus is most commonly found in bats and skunks.