Bat Tests Positive for Rabies After Contact With Cat

The Cole County Health Department has come across what seems like a rare case. A bat has tested positive after it came in contact with a stray cat.

The bat was submitted, and tested positive for rabies, after the animal had contact with the cat, according to the health department. The department said the risk to the general public remains low. However KXEO News has reached out for clarification on whether they think the bat had rabies before the encounter, or through contact with, the cat.

According to the news release from CCHD, rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and tends to be fatal once symptoms appear.

Rabies spreads to people and pets through bites or scratches of an infected animal and infected animals don’t always show obvious signs of illness.