Butler County, OH – Local health officials have now confirmed a third bat has tested positive for rabies in Butler County in recent weeks. The City of Hamilton Health Department announced tonight (June 12) that a bat collected in the area of Thall Drive in Hamilton tested positive for rabies. There is no known human exposure.

This follows two earlier positive cases:

• A bat found near the Bradford Place Care Center on Millville Avenue in Hamilton, which tested positive on May 22.
• A bat collected in West Chester Township, announced yesterday by the Butler County General Health District. That case involved a potential human exposure.

“While a single positive test does not indicate a widespread outbreak, it does serve as a reminder that rabies is present in the region,” officials said. Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid contact with bats and other wild animals. Rabies is a serious viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. However, it is 100% preventable in humans with prompt medical care. The virus spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite or contact with open wounds, eyes, nose, or mouth.

Important Safety Reminders:

• Never touch bats or other wild animals with bare hands.
• Teach children to avoid handling wildlife.
• Keep dogs, cats, and ferrets up to date on rabies vaccinations.
• If you are bitten, scratched, or have direct contact with a bat, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
• If a bat is found in a room with a sleeping person, unattended child, or someone unable to report contact, seek immediate medical guidance.
• Safely capture the bat for testing when possible without risking exposure.

Officials note that infected bats do not always show obvious signs of illness, so any potential contact should be treated seriously.

The City of Hamilton Health Department and Butler County General Health District are partnering to share prevention information with the public.

For questions or possible exposures:

• City of Hamilton Health Department: 513-785-7080
• Butler County General Health District Environmental Health Team: 513-863-1770

Additional rabies prevention resources are available from the Ohio Department of Health.

 

(Editor's Note: AI-Assisted Copy)