Rabies confirmed in bat in Winter Haven

WINTER HAVEN — The Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section confirmed the county’s second rabies case this year in a bat found in Winter Haven, according to a statement. The resident at a River Lake Road location found the bat in his home July 8 and took it to a bat rehab center in Hillsborough County, where it bit an employee. The bat was sent to Florida Department of Health lab for rabies testing, which returned positive Thursday.

The first Polk rabies case this year, also a bat, was found on May 31 in Lakeland.

Residents are reminded that bats are among the mammals considered at high risk to carry rabies. They should not approach any animal that is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. Anyone with a pet suspected of exposure should contact the Sheriff’s Animal Control Section at 863-577-1762.