A fourth bat tested positive for rabies in West Chester, Butler County General Health District officials say.
The bat was submitted for testing following exposure with a family pet, according to a statement released from the health department Wednesday. The county has not identified the exact location of the exposure to protect the privacy of the person who reported the incident. The first bat was reported on May 22 in the city of Hamilton.
The district’s health commissioner, Erik Balster, could not be immediately reached for comment. Health officials are asking residents to avoid contact with bats and ensure their pets are current on rabies vaccinations.
All direct contact with bats should be treated as a potential exposure and reported, health officials said. Contact a health care provider immediately after direct contact with a bat and submit animals for testing when appropriate.
At this time, Butler County General Health District has not identified evidence of an unusual rabies outbreak.
The Enquirer may update this story.
This story may be updated as the story develops.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Another rabid bat found in Butler County
Reporting by Esther Launstein, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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By Esther Launstein, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
