Rabid bat found in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - A rabid bat was found in the basement of a Lexington home, marking the fourth animal with confirmed rabies in Kentucky.

The bat was found in a home near Seven Parks and Elizabeth Street. Environmental health staff have posted rabid animal signs around the neighborhood.

Steve Davis, medical director at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, said the family found the bat in their basement and took the necessary steps to have it tested. The bat tested positive for rabies at the state laboratory in Frankfort.

Bats pose unique danger

Davis said bats present a particular risk because their bites can go unnoticed.

“Bats, their little teeth are so sharp. You can be asleep. A bat can land on your arm, land anywhere, bite you. You have absolutely no idea that you’ve been bitten,” Davis said.

Health officials say bats are one of the biggest carriers of rabies in Kentucky, along with skunks, foxes and raccoons.

What to do if you find a bat

If you find a bat in your home, officials say do not chase it away. Health officials want the bat so it can be sent to the state laboratory for testing.

Call animal control to capture the animal, then contact your local health department to have it tested.

Davis said wild animals that approach humans without fear, or bats found lying on the ground, are red flags.

“An extremely small percentage of bats carry the rabies virus, probably less than one percent. So that’s why we say we don’t panic. However, if we come in contact with a bat in our home, outside, wherever, let’s be vigilant and go through the right process,” Davis said.

Treatment available if caught early

There is no cure for rabies in humans. Davis said prompt action is critical.

“Medical science knows there’s no cure for rabies. And so we’ve got to jump on this quick and make sure the right things are done,” Davis said.

If rabies is caught early, there is an effective treatment — five shots over two weeks. The post-exposure vaccine series is nearly 100% effective if started quickly.

If you or a pet may have had contact with a bat or any animal acting strangely, do not wait.

Rabies cases in Kentucky

Kentucky sees between 20 and 30 animals test positive for rabies each year. The virus usually spreads to other wild animals. Last year, two dogs and a horse also tested positive.

“Animals who are infected with rabies, they can then bite other mammals and can actually give them rabies,” Davis said.

Rabies is almost always fatal if left untreated, but it is preventable with prompt care.

Pet vaccinations and bat protection season

Health officials remind pet owners to keep vaccinations up to date. Pets should be vaccinated every one to three years.

“Let’s get our domestic, personal pets, vaccinated, and stay away from wild animals. And if you see a bat in your house, don’t shoo it away. Get a hold of us,” Davis said.

May 15 through Aug. 15 is a protected season for bats in Kentucky, meaning it is illegal to kill them — even if they are rabid. The health department says to get your home inspected now, as bat removal becomes illegal starting May 15.