NEWS RELEASE

Knox Public Health has confirmed that a bat found in a Howard Township home has tested positive for rabies. This is the second confirmed case of rabies this year, both cases involve bats. The first case was in Gambier in June.

The bat was found in the bathroom and thought to be dead, but proved otherwise when the resident attempted to collect the bat. “Even though a bat might be motionless, never assume it is dead,” said Registered Sanitarian Terri Hillier with Knox Public Health. “Always use caution when trying to collect
it, including wearing gloves.”

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.
Since the bat was found in the bathroom and not a bedroom, no human exposure is suspected. “All of the pets on the property had been vaccinated, so there is no need to quarantine them,” said Hillier who conducts most of the rabies investigations. (click to read more)