There is a good reason to take the warning about rabid bats seriously.  One was found outside a northwest Omaha middle school last week and it tested positive for the disease.  This is the time of year that bats are trying to get into homes to stay warm, so the risk of exposure is much higher.  Dr. Mark Rupp is the Director of Infectious Diseases at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and says rabies in humans is rare, but the outcome is not good

Rupp says anyone who comes in contact with a rabid bat or other animal must receive treatment

Symptoms include numbness at the bite site, fever, muscle aches, feeling anxious, confusion and trouble swallowing.  Rabies is spread through a bite or if the animal’s saliva had contact with your eyes, nose or mouth.  Rabies is nearly 100% fatal.