Knox Public Health has confirmed that a bat found in a residence near Gambier has tested positive for rabies. This is the first confirmed case of rabies in Knox County since 2018.

The bat was discovered flying in the home at night. The residents were able to safely catch the bat and bring it to the health department where it was sent to the Ohio Department of Health for testing.

According to Director of Environmental Health Director Nate Overholt, R.S., the residents have been advised to continue medical treatment for potential exposure to rabies.

“People usually know when they have been bitten by a bat, for example when they are trying to capture it. That wasn’t the situation with this case where the bat was captured safel. However, there are times when they might not be aware they have been bitten,” said Overholt. “Because bats have small teeth which may leave marks that are not easily seen, there are situations in which you should seek medical advice even in the absence of an obvious bite wound.”

Those situations would include: when a bat is found in a room with a sleeping person; when a bat is found in proximity to an unattended child who is not able to describe what happened; or when a bat is found in a room with an individual under the influence of alcohol or drugs or with other sensory or mental impairment. (read more)