One person in Hillsborough County has been exposed to a bat that tested positive for rabies.
The bat was found near the 1300 block of N. Westshore Blvd. in the grass on its back.
The Department of Health says the only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization.
This is the second time this week and the third within the past month that an animal tested positive for rabies. The number of human exposures in Hillsborough County in 2018 is now ten. In 2017, three animals exposed ten people.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
• If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center at (813) 744-5660.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
• Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (813) 307-8059.
