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Sixth Rabies Case Confirmed in Polk County After Bat Found in Winter Haven
By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent
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WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Polk County is reporting its sixth confirmed rabies case of the year after a bat found in the Eloise area of Winter Haven tested positive for the virus.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, a woman living on 8th Street found what she thought was a mouse in her yard on Thursday, September 10.
She picked it up, only to realize the animal was actually a live bat.
Polk County Animal Control officers were called to the home and recovered the bat. It was later sent to the state laboratory for testing.
Animal Control received the results on September 15, confirming the bat was positive for rabies.
The woman was notified and advised to contact the Florida Department of Health for medical treatment because of the possible exposure.
Officials are reminding residents not to touch or approach wild animals, especially animals that appear sick, injured or are behaving unusually.
Rabies can spread through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite or scratch. Bats can be especially concerning because their bites and scratches can sometimes be small and difficult to notice.
Anyone who believes they or their pet may have come into contact with a potentially rabid animal should contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section at 863-577-1762.
Anyone who may have been exposed should also contact a healthcare provider or the Florida Department of Health as soon as possible.
Pet owners are also encouraged to make sure their animals are up to date on rabies vaccinations.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to use caution and never attempt to pick up wildlife, even if the animal appears harmless.
Source: Polk County Sheriff’s Office sent to iSkyNews.com
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