Rabies in Southwest Nebraska

 

 

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system of mammals such as bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes, and is most commonly transmitted through the saliva of infected animals via bites. While rabies is sometimes viewed as a problem of the past, it remains a common public health issue in southwest Nebraska. A total of 5 positive rabies cases were reported to Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) in 2025.

Why rabies is an important public health issue:

 

• Rabies is Fatal Without Treatment: Once symptoms begin to show, rabies is almost always fatal. However, if a person is bitten or scratched by an animal suspected of having rabies, they can receive treatment to prevent the onset of the disease.

 

• Rabies is Expensive to Treat: The cost of rabies treatment can be very high, often running into thousands of dollars. Early intervention can significantly reduce both the financial and health risks associated with rabies exposure. Most rabies cases occur in wildlife.

 

It’s Common in Wildlife: Most rabies cases occur in wildlife. In Southwest Nebraska, the virus is most commonly detected in skunks and bats. Exposure to potentially infected wildlife presents a danger to humans, pets, and livestock due to their unpredictable behavior.

 

 

 

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Rabies in Nebraska: Summary Report 2010–2019

 

 

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Rabies in Nebraska: Summary Report 2010–2019

 

In remote or rural areas, wildlife may come into closer contact with humans or pets, leading to greater risk than it might in more urbanized regions.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
Taking precautions to avoid or prevent exposure to infected animals is the best way to protect you and your loved ones.

 

Vaccinate Pets and Livestock: Ensure that all pets (including cats and dogs), and livestock are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. A vaccinated pet is far less likely to contract rabies or spread it to humans.

 

 

 

• Recognize and Report Suspicious Animals: Report an animal with strange behavior to local authorities and never approach it yourself. Signs of rabies in an animal include:
• Increased aggressiveness
• Excessive drooling
• Unusual behavior changes
• Trouble eating and drinking.

 

• Remove Bats with Caution: If you encounter a bat inside your house or another building, use thick gloves to capture it in a breathable container. Bats can be taken to the vet for rabies testing. Bat bites or scratches can be tiny and difficult to see, so if you wake up with a bat in your room, it is important to get it tested to protect your health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Know What to Do if You Encounter a Rabid Animal: Rabid animals can act aggressively, and their bites are the primary mode of transmission for the virus. Keep a safe distance and contact animal control immediately. If you or a pet is bitten, seek medical attention immediately to begin the necessary treatment.

 

• Teach Kids Animal Safety: Teach children to avoid contact with any wild animal or stray pet. Do not approach animals that appear sick, confused, or aggressive. Even animals that seem friendly or harmless could be infected with rabies.

 

The difference between life and death can hinge on the quick action of getting treatment within a specific time window. Rabies is preventable, but only if we educate families and communities about the risk and how to respond to potential exposure.

 

Serving Southwest Nebraska

SWNPHD proudly serves Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties—working every day to promote healthy families and strong communities.