Six-Year-Old Bit by Rabid Bat in Wisconsin; Brothers Kill Animal with Homemade Weapon

A six-year-old girl was bitten on the left thigh by a rabid bat while playing near her home in Tigerton, Wisconsin, according to local health officials. The incident occurred last week when the bat swooped down from a tree. The girl's brothers intervened, using a homemade pole-sword to strike the animal, and the bat was later confirmed to be rabies-positive.

The child received a series of rabies vaccinations within 48 hours of the bite, a regimen that is highly effective in preventing the disease, which is almost always fatal without treatment. The Shawano-Menominee County Health Department noted that this is the first rabies case reported in the county this year and reminded residents that rabid bats are not uncommon in the area.

The department urged pet owners to keep vaccinations up to date and advised the public to avoid contact with wildlife, especially animals displaying abnormal behavior. Early signs of rabies can include fever, headache, irritability and pain at the bite site, while later stages may involve severe neurological symptoms.

"While it is not uncommon for Shawano County to have at least one rabid bat a year, this positive rabies result is an important reminder that this fatal disease is present in our community’s wildlife," the health department said.

The girl's mother said her daughter appeared untroubled after the incident.