Rabid bat found inside Orange County home

A bat found inside an Orange County home has tested positive for rabies, officials confirm.

A woman found the bat inside her Cedar Grove home on Monday and was able to isolate the bat without making contact.

She called animal services, who removed the bat.

No people or pets were thought to come in contact with the bat, but the local health department will evaluate the risk of exposure, officials said.

Orange County recorded four positive rabies cases last year and eight in 2020. The rabid bat is the first positive rabies test Orange County Animal Services has received this year, according to a press release.

The county reminded people to keep their animals up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.

If an unvaccinated dog or cat comes into contact with a rabid animal or there is a “reasonable suspicion of exposure,” the pet must either be euthanized or placed in quarantine for four months. Vaccinated animals must receive a booster rabies vaccination within four days of the exposure.

Of the rabies cases reported in humans, most come from bats, officials said. If you come in contact with a bat, call your local animal control center by dialing 911.

If you discover a bat inside your house, be sure not to release it, but do remove yourself and any animals from the area.