CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ross County Health District has confirmed a case of rabies in a bat found in Liberty Township on Wednesday, with two owned dogs reported as exposed. No human exposures have been identified at this time.
The bat was tested by the Ohio Department of Health laboratory and confirmed positive for rabies. The Ross County Health District said bats are among the higher-risk species for rabies in the county compared to other animals.
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically through a bite that breaks the skin or contact with saliva in an open wound. On rare occasions, it can also be spread through contact with saliva to the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Residents who may have had contact with a bat — including waking up to find a bat in a room, finding a bat near a young child, or having a bat fly into them — are advised to seek immediate medical attention at a local emergency room and report the possible exposure. Anyone needing guidance on bat capture or rabies testing should contact the Ross County Health District Environmental Health Division at 740-775-1158.
The health district held a rabies vaccination clinic for cats and dogs on May 16 at Yoctangee Park in Chillicothe, vaccinating 26 pets. An additional clinic is planned for fall 2026, with details to be released as plans are finalized.
Residents can reduce their risk by keeping pets current on rabies vaccinations, avoiding contact with wildlife, and reporting unusual animal behavior. Residents should not handle live or dead bats and should contact a licensed wildlife professional if bats are found in the home.