Eight People Get Rabies Shots as a Precaution After Student Brings Bat to Montana School

Eight people in Montana are receiving rabies shots as a precaution after a middle school student found a bat at home and brought it to science class in a bag.

The student released it in a field before officials could test it for rabies. But health officials say the student's family of seven and a classmate who handled the bat Tuesday at North Middle School in Great Falls have started a series of shots.

The school district is also notifying up to 150 families of students who could have been exposed to the bat while they were on the bus or in the classroom.

State epidemiologist Elton Mosher says the bat was found in the basement of a home. He says anyone who touched it should contact health officials immediately.