Rabid bat bites Lewis County resident

LEWIS COUNTY — Public health officials say a Lewis County resident is receiving treatment after being bit by a rabid bat.

The Daily News reports that John Abplanalp, community services manager for the Lewis County health department, said he couldn't provide tails about the bite victim or the location of the incident.

However, Abplanalp says rabid bats have been found in Lewis County in ther past and estimated that one out of every 100 bats carries rabies.

In humans, rabies is rare but fatal if left untreated. The disease is transmitted through an infected animal's saliva, often through a bite or scratch. Health officials say people should never handle bats, and pet owners should make sure their animals are up to date on their rabies vaccine.

Cox Media Group