SAFE-U ADVISORY (Email only) The University is sharing the following message with all students, faculty and staff on the Twin Cities campus on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Health: On Wednesday, Oct. 2, a bat found was found just before 11 a.m. on the sidewalk near the Donhowe Building on the University of Minnesota East Bank campus in Minneapolis (319 15th Ave SE). The bat’s behavior and the time of day it was found are suspicious for rabies. Staff from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) were not able to locate the bat to test it for rabies. Anyone who may have had physical contact with the bat should contact their health care provider right away or contact MDH at 651-201-5414 or 1-877-676-5414 to determine whether rabies shots are necessary. Bats in Minnesota can carry rabies and people should avoid contact with them. Rabies is a fatal illness that is transmitted through bites from infected animals. Bats are of particular concern because their teeth are so tiny that a bite may not be felt or even leave a noticeable mark. To learn more about rabies and how to protect yourself, please visit the MDH Rabies website (https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/rabies/index.html).