A 6-year-old girl in Tigerton, Wisconsin, is recovering after being bitten by a bat that later tested positive for rabies. The incident occurred last week as the child, identified as Cecilia “Cece” Kale, was playing on a tree in front of her family’s home.
Bat Attack and Swift Action
The bat attacked the girl’s left thigh. Her older brothers, 11-year-old Nicklas and 16-year-old Camden, intervened to remove the animal from their sister. Camden reportedly used a pole to knock the bat off Cece, and Nicklas then killed the animal with a homemade sword that he had created that same day. Their mother, Elizabeth Kale, told NBC News that the sword was inspired by the movie “Braveheart,” and Nicklas has been quoting lines from the film since the incident.
Rabies Exposure and Treatment
Following the attack, the bat was tested and confirmed to be rabid. The family consented to Cece receiving post-exposure rabies shots, which were administered less than 48 hours after the bite. Elizabeth Kale stated that the family opposes mandated immunizations but would have opted for treatment even if the bat had not been captured and tested, given the severity of rabies if left untreated.
Rabies is considered nearly 100% fatal if left untreated, but a series of five shots is highly effective in preventing the disease. Nick Mau, health officer with the Shawano-Menominee County Health Department, confirmed the incident, noting that his department encounters approximately one rabid bat attack on a human annually. Mau explained that while such incidents are not uncommon, this case garnered attention due to the young age of the exposed individual and the confirmed rabies diagnosis in the bat.
Health Department Communication
Mau acknowledged that his office frequently engages with individuals who may be hesitant about vaccines and other medical treatments. He emphasized the health department’s role in communicating risks and providing recommendations from the medical community, the state health department, and the CDC regarding treatments like rabies prophylaxis.
Despite the painful nature of the shots, Cece Kale is reportedly unfazed and continues to enjoy playing outdoors. Her mother described her daughter as brave and resilient. Kale also stated that the incident would not deter her eight children from enjoying the outdoors, as the family values a lifestyle connected to nature on their property.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
