LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two more bats have tested positive for rabies in Louisville, according to the health department.
One bat was discovered at a home in the St. Matthews neighborhood, while the other was found at a house in Buechel.
In August, another bat tested positive for rabies. The bat was found outside a home in the St. Matthews neighborhood, in the 40207 ZIP code.
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is reminding people to avoid touching a bat if they come across one.
The CDC states that encounters with rabid bats is the leading cause of rabies in humans across the United States.
Data from the Public Health and Wellness Lab shows that since 2019, at least 19 bats have tested positive for rabies in Jefferson County.
- 2019 – 4 bats
- 2020 – 2 (1 bat, 1 dog)
- 2021 – 7 bats
- 2022 – 3 bats
- 2023 – 2 bats
- 2024 – 3 bats
The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system, and without proper medical intervention, it can lead to brain disease and ultimately result in death.
Preventative measures following potential rabies exposure involve administering a dose of human rabies immune globulin along with a series of rabies vaccinations.
Treatment is advised for both bite and non-bite incidents. Once symptoms of rabies appear, there is no effective treatment, and the disease is fatal.
Preventing rabies includes vaccinating pets, steering clear of wildlife, and seeking immediate medical attention in the event of potential exposure.
If you encounter a bat 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.
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 502-574-6650.
If you have general questions regarding bats or rabies, contact the LMPHW Rabies Prevention Program at 502-574-6650.
For more information about rabies and prevention tips, visit the rabies control page.