Bats are beginning to seek shelter for the winter bringing more of them into contact with humans. Bats have been reported in Creighton buildings. The Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) has issued guidance regarding the definition of a bat exposure because bats can be carriers of rabies. DCHD now defines bat exposure as not only an actual bite (of which there is often no evidence) but also includes finding a bat in a room where there are young children, an elderly person, or where people are sleeping or not alert. If you wake up and find a bat in your room, you have potentially been exposed.
Creighton community members (at home or on campus) are advised that in the case of any exposure the bat should be kept and evaluated by the Nebraska Humane Society. If the bat is not evaluated, the person should undergo the costly and painful treatment for rabies.