ITHACA, N.Y. — A rabid bat was found Tuesday on the sidewalk of Madison Street in Ithaca.
The Tompkins County Health Department sent out a notice Thursday asking if any child was unattended near the bat, or if there was any contact by a person a pet, to contact the department at 607-274-6688 immediately to discuss possible exposure to rabies.
The bat was discovered Tuesday on the sidewalk in front of 530 Madison St., near the intersection of Fifth Street across from Conway Park. The bat was determined to be rabid by the New York State Rabies Laboratory.
The health department sent out the following reminders:
- Avoid contact with any unfamiliar cats or dogs and any wild animals.
- All cats, dogs and ferrets must have initial rabies vaccinations administered no later than four months of age. Keep vaccinations current!
- Report the following incidents to the Tompkins County Health Department at 274-6688:
- All animal bites or scratches.
- Any human or pet contact with salvia or other potentially infectious material (brain tissue, spinal tissue, or cerebro-spinal fluid) of wild animals or any animal suspected of having rabies.
- All bat bites, scratches, or any mere skin contact with a bat, or a bat in a room with a child, or sleeping or impaired person.