North Idaho’s third rabid bat within a month was caught this week in Coeur d’Alene by a family’s pet dog, prompting Panhandle Health District officials to remind people not to handle bats and to make sure their pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date.

No people were directly exposed to the latest rabid bat, health officials said. The dog had been vaccinated and was re-vaccinated after coming in contact with the bat. The dog will remain under watch at home for several weeks.

Another bat in Coeur d’Alene and one in Spirit Lake also tested positive for rabies. One exposed a pet cat which is also under watch. The other bat possibly exposed three people inside their home while they were sleeping. The people underwent a series of five shots each to protect them from rabies. More.

Uh. Seen any bats around lately?

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