In an effort to ensure nobody is in need of rabies prevention shots, the Minnesota Department of Health is hoping to get in touch with a woman who brought dead bats to a veterinary office in St. Paul.
The woman brought two dead bats to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) on Thursday, Sep. 6, and then left before anyone could get her contact information.
Both bats tested positive for rabies, so health officials want to know if the woman or anyone else was exposed to the bats before they died.
"If you are the person who dropped off these two bats, or know the person who did, please call MDH at 651-201-5414 so rabies disease specialists can assess whether or not anyone should receive rabies prevention shots," says a release from the MDH.
The MDH notes that bats carrying rabies are especially dangerous because they have such tiny teeth that a bite my not be felt or leave a mark.
"If someone has been bitten or exposed to a bat, it is very important to test the bat for rabies,” State Public Health Veterinarian, Dr. Joni Scheftel said in the release. "If this is not possible, then rabies prevention shots should be given as soon as possible."