Second bat tests positive for rabies in Cole County

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A second bat has tested positive for rabies in Cole County, the Cole County Health Department announced in a Thursday press release.

The first reported case was reported on Sept. 17 when a bat made contact with a stray cat, a previous press release says.

Thursday’s release says a “domestic animal” was potentially exposed to the bat, but it was up to date on their rabies vaccine and received a booster. There are no known human exposures.

Rabies is a virus that can spread to people and pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Contact a vet as soon as possible if your pet has been exposed to rabies, the release says.

The release says those who have been bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal should wash the wound immediately and contact your healthcare provider.