LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A bat found in Louisville recently tested positive for rabies.
The bat was found outside a home in the St. Matthews neighborhood, in the 40207 ZIP code, according to the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW).
LMPHW officials advise people never to touch a bat if they encounter one.
Exposure to rabid bats is the leading cause of rabies in humans in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to data from the Public Health and Wellness Lab, at least 18 bats have tested positive for rabies in Jefferson County since 2019.
- 2019 – 4 bats
- 2020 – 2 (1 bat, 1 dog)
- 2021 – 7 bats
- 2022 – 3 bats
- 2023 – 2 bats
- 2024 – 1 bat
“Transmission of rabies can occur through a bat’s bite or the animal’s saliva if it gets in a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound,” said Connie Mendel, Louisville’s chief health strategist. “Someone may not realize they have been bitten by a bat because they have very sharp, tiny teeth.”
The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. Left untreated, it can affect the brain which can result in death. Once rabies symptoms begin, there is no treatment, in which case the disease is fatal.
Rabies can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. In the U.S., rabies is mostly found in wild animals including bats, skunks, racoons and foxes. In Kentucky, bats and skunks are the most common hosts of rabies.
Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets against the virus, avoiding wildlife, and seeking medical care immediately for potential exposure.
What to do if a bat is in your home
- If possible, close the door to isolate the bat in the room.
- Contact your doctor and LMPHW at 502-574-6650 right away. The health department will arrange for the bat to be collected and tested for rabies.
- If you know you have been bitten or scratched by a bat, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. If the bat tests negative for rabies, you will not need postexposure treatment.
- If you do not know how the bat got into your home, you will also need to contact a bat remediation specialist to determine if bats are living in your home.
What to do if your pet encounters a bat
- Contact LMPHW at 502-574-6650 or email publicfacilities@louisvilleky.gov. Your pet may need to be quarantined to ensure rabies is not transmitted. Please advise the health department if you choose to have your pet quarantined at another location besides your home.
- If your pet bites or scratches someone during a rabies exposure quarantine, you must report the incident to us at LMPHW.
For information regarding bats or rabies, click here or contact the LMPHW Rabies Prevention Program at 502-574-6640.