Rabid bat bites animal rehab worker

WINTER HAVEN (FOX 13) - Another case of rabies has been confirmed by the Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section, marking the county's second case this year.

The rabid bat bit a worker at a bat rehab called Tampa Bay Bats on July 8. 

The bat was brought to Tampa Bay Bats by a Winter Haven man who found it on his property on River Lake Road. 

The bat was sent to the state lab for rabies testing. the Florida Department of Health notified Polk County animal control Thursday, July 26 it tested positive for rabies. 

The first case of rabies in Polk County this year was discovered in Lakeland at the end of May.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section wants to remind residents bats are among the mammals considered to be a high-risk species or rabies vector species (RVS). Do not approach any animal acting in an unusual manner. If you think you or your pet has been exposed, contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863-577-1762.