Rabid bat found in basement of Lexington home. Health department urges caution
A rabid bat was found Tuesday, April 7, in the basement of a Lexington home, according to the city health department.
The bat was in a home in the area of Elizabeth Street and Seven Parks, near the University of Kentucky campus, according to the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.
“Residents who believe they or their pets may have had contact with any animal acting abnormally are urged to contact the health department immediately,” health officials said.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease. Transmission can occur through a bite or through contact with an infected animal’s saliva via the eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound. Bats have very small teeth, and a bite mark may not always be visible, health officials cautioned.
Health department officials urged residents to take the following precautions against rabies:
- Keep pets current on their rabies vaccinations — if your pet is not current, vaccinate immediately.
- Do not handle, feed, or approach wild animals or any animal behaving abnormally.
- If a bat is found inside your home, do not release it — contain it if possible and contact the health department.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you or a family member has been exposed.
To report a potential exposure, contact the health department’s Division of Environmental Health at 859-231-9791.
