6-Year-Old Girl Bitten by Rabid Bat in Tigerton, Wisconsin

A 6-year-old girl is recovering after being bitten by a rabid bat outside her home in Tigerton, Wisconsin, last week. The incident occurred while Cecilia "Cece" Kale was playing on a tree when the bat attacked her left thigh. Her brothers, Camden, 16, and Nicklas, intervened, using a homemade sword to kill the bat, according to their mother, Elizabeth Kale.

The bat was later tested and confirmed to be rabid. Following the attack, the family consented to Cece receiving rabies prophylaxis less than 48 hours later, despite their opposition to mandated immunizations. Nick Mau, health officer with the Shawano-Menominee County Health Department, confirmed the attack and noted that his office typically handles about one rabid bat attack on a human each year.

Health officials emphasized the importance of rabies treatment, explaining the risks associated with untreated exposure. Elizabeth Kale expressed gratitude for the medical guidance provided to her family during this time. Despite the incident, Cece continues to enjoy playing outside, and her family remains committed to their outdoor lifestyle.