Rabid bat located in Lexington basement

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Health officials say a rabid bat has been found in the basement of a Lexington home.

That’s according to a social media post by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department on Tuesday. The health department says the bat was located in the Seven Parks/Elizabeth Street area and has tested positive for rabies.

An individual identified in a bite report has been contacted to ensure they receive follow-up care, according to health officials.

Residents who believe they or their pets have had contact with an animal behaving unusually are encouraged to contact a health professional immediately, the health department says.

Health officials say rabies is a fatal but preventable disease.

It can be transmitted through a bite or through contact with infected saliva into the eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound, according to the post.

The health department advises residents to keep their pets up to date on rabies vaccines, to not handle wild animals or any animal acting abnormally and to not release a bat found in a home.

To report possible exposure, contact the health department’s Division of Environmental Health at 859-231-9791.