Bat found in Tuscarawas County tests positive for rabies

TUSCARAWAS COUNTY, OH (WOIO) - Health officials in Tuscarawas County are warning residents after a bat that was found tested positive for rabies.

The bat was discovered in the Schoenbrunn Estates subdivision on Monday, Aug. 27, according to the New Philadelphia City Health Department.

The bat, which was "acting unusual" when it was found, was sent away for lab examinations and tested positive for the rabies virus.

A pet cat was exposed to the bat and is now undergoing medical attention. The cat will likely be placed in quarantine.

It is now known at this time if any humans were exposed to the bat.

Bats should never be handled without gloves or another type of protections to prevent the spread of the rabies virus.

Rabies can infect the central nervous system, causing a disease in the brain and even death.