WINTER HAVEN, FL — A woman picking up what she thought was a mouse in her yard resulted in the sixth confirmed rabies case in Polk County this year.
The incident occurred Thursday, Sept. 10, on 8th Street in the Eloise area of Winter Haven. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the woman picked up the animal before realizing it was actually a live bat.
Polk County Animal Control officers responded and recovered the bat, which was sent to a state laboratory for testing.
On Sept. 15, Animal Control received test results confirming the bat was positive for rabies. The woman was notified and advised to contact the Florida Department of Health for medical treatment.
Authorities are reminding residents not to approach or handle animals acting unusually or suspiciously. Anyone who believes they or their pet may have been exposed to a potentially rabid animal should contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section at 863-577-1762.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
