SPRINGFIELD — Health officials said a rabid bat was found in Springfield, the first in Clark County since 2016, according to the combined health district.
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The bat was found in the Ridgewood neighborhood in Springfield, but officials did not identified when the bat was located.
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Bats are the most common carriers of the rabies virus, however other animals can also be carriers of the disease, officials with the Clark County Combined Health District said in a media release.
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“The presence of one affected animal in the area means that local residents should be concerned about the possibility of more and take the proper precautions,” officials said in the release.
The discovery of the infected bat comes one week after a bat found dead in Xenia tested positive for rabies.
Bats have been the only animal to test positive for rabies in Clark County since 2005, according to health officials.
Health officials urge anyone who thinks they’ve been exposed to rabies from a bat to see immediate medical attention at a local emergency room.
“If you feel you have been exposed to a bat, please seek immediate medical attention at a local emergency room and explain to them that you may have been exposed to a bat,” officials said.
“It is always best to capture the bat so that it can be tested. If you do not feel that you can capture the bat, please contact either a wildlife specialist or the CCCHD. The CCCHD can only test bats that have had a potential exposure to humans and pets.”