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Bat recovered from pool at Natural Tunnel State Park tests positive for rabies


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A bat collected from a public swimming pool at Natural Tunnel State Park in Scott County, Virginia last week has tested positive for rabies, according to state health officials.

The animal was recovered July 13 by county health workers but a report from the Virginia Department of Health says swimming in the pool does not pose a risk for infection.

The identification of rabies in the bat was not unexpected given the region's previous history with skunk and bat variant rabies, according to VDH officials, but discovery was enough to alert patrons to notify the county health department in Gate City if they were either bitten by the bat or if they came into contact with the animal's saliva or central nervous system tissue.

VDH recommends the following steps to minimize the risk of contact with an animal with rabies:

  • Vaccinate pets and livestock.
  • Do not feed or try to handle wild or stray animals.
  • Avoid all sick or strange-acting animals.
  • Cover garbage cans and do not leave pet food outside.
  • Do not keep wild animals as pets. It is dangerous and illegal.
  • Do not touch or pick up dead animals.
  • Leave live bats alone and do not handle dead bats.
  • Do not let your pet play with bats.
  • “Bat proof” your house or other buildings with screens and cover up openings.
  • Call your doctor for advice if an animal bites you or call your vet if your pet is bitten and report any such incidents to your local health department.
  • Lenowisco Health District, (276) 328-8000; Scott County Health Department, (276) 386-1312
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