Bat found in Lexington tests positive for rabies

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is reporting that a bat found in Lexington has tested positive for rabies.

According to the health department, the bat was discovered in a home in the Radcliffe/Marlboro neighborhood.

Signs were posted in the area on Monday to notify people in the neighborhood.

Rabies, a viral disease of humans, pets and wild animals, is transmitted from animals to humans by the saliva of a rabid animal, usually from a bite. State law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets maintain a current rabies vaccination.

Health officials say there does not appear to be any contact between neighborhood animals and the bat, but officials ask that residents keep watch on their pets.

Early symptoms of rabies include a change in behavior, chewing at the bite site, fever and loss of appetite.

Bats that are active during the day or are unable to fly might be suspect for having rabies.

The health department says to minimize the risk for contracting rabies, it is best never to handle any bat. If you find a bat in your home and the possibility of human exposure cannot be ruled out, contact the Division of Environmental Health and Protection at (859) 231-9791 for help with having the animal collected and submitted for rabies testing.