Lexington health department alerts residents about rabid bats

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Two bats found in Lexington have tested positive for rabies.

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department says it received word Wednesday afternoon the bats found in homes in the Lakeview Acres and Cumberland Hills neighborhoods tested positive for rabies.

Health department 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.

Health officials say, to minimize the risk for contracting rabies, it is best never to handle any bat.

If you find a bat in your home and can’t rule our the possibility of you were exposed, contact the Division of Environmental Health and Protection at (859) 231-9791 for help with having the animal collected and submitted for rabies testing.