Minneapolis Health Department Seeks Woman Who Handled Rabid Bat on Downtown Sidewalk

Minneapolis health officials have issued a public call to find a woman who, according to local reports, retrieved a rabid bat that was on a downtown sidewalk.

First reported by a technology news outlet, the episode recounts a passerby who discovered a seemingly injured bat, handled it without any protective equipment, and later learned the creature had tested positive for rabies. Authorities have not disclosed whether the woman suffered a bite or any other exposure, leading them to move quickly.

To address the situation, the Minneapolis health department has distributed flyers around downtown and is leveraging social‑media platforms to contact anyone who might have seen the woman or can identify her. Their aim is to verify if she has received post‑exposure prophylaxis—a course of vaccinations that can stop the virus if given promptly.

Rabies, a viral illness that is nearly always deadly after symptoms develop, can be averted when treatment starts before the virus reaches the nervous system. In the United States, bats represent the primary wildlife source of rabies, prompting health agencies to consistently counsel the public against direct contact. When a bat is discovered dead or acting oddly, officials typically test it for the virus to gauge any potential risk to exposed individuals.

Finding the woman matters both for her personal health and for community safety. Should she have been bitten or had bat saliva contact an open wound, a complete rabies vaccination series—expensive and requiring several appointments—would be necessary. Additionally, verifying that she obtained treatment enables officials to close the case and allocate resources toward other possible exposures.

The department is asking anyone with tips to call a dedicated hotline or reach out to the city’s health services directly. Officials also reminded the public to report any bats spotted in communal areas and to refrain from handling wildlife, noting that trained animal‑control teams are equipped to safely capture and test suspicious specimens. As the hunt proceeds, the case highlights the persistent necessity for public awareness of rabies hazards in city settings.