Rabid Bat Confirmed in West Chester Township

Overview

• A bat collected in West Chester Township has tested positive for rabies after being submitted for testing following a reported possible human exposure, and officials have not released details about the exposed person or people.
• This is the second bat to test positive for rabies in Butler County within roughly three weeks, following a previous rabid bat found in Hamilton.
• The Butler County General Health District advises people never to touch bats with bare hands, to teach children not to handle wildlife, and to keep pets current on rabies vaccinations.
• Public-health officials note that bats can carry rabies without obvious signs of illness, so any direct contact should be treated as a potential exposure and evaluated by a medical professional because rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
• Residents with questions or concerns can contact the Butler County Environmental Health Team at 513-863-1770 for guidance on exposures, testing, and post-exposure steps.