   POCATELLO—A rabid bat has been found within city limits, prompting health officials to warn the public that the rabies threat is prevalent in Southeast Idaho.
   Southeastern Idaho Public Health has not released additional details about the rabid bat incident in Pocatello, but the agency points out that this is the second rabid bat to be found during the past month in the region. In mid-June a Bonneville County teen was bitten by a rabid bat that she found in an Idaho Falls park.
   The teen thought the bat was ill and brought it home to nurse it back to health when it bit her.
   Health officials said the girl is expected to make a full recovery.
   Southeastern Idaho Public Health said in a Wednesday press release: “Rabies is a fatal viral illness in humans and other animals. Household pets and other animals can be exposed to the virus by playing with sick bats. This is why it is important for people to make sure that their animals are vaccinated against rabies.”
   The public is being encouraged by health officials to try to avoid all contact with bats and to immediately report any contact that does happen to Southeastern Idaho Public Health at 208-233-9080.
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