Alert Issued for Rabid Bat Found in Annapolis

A bat found Thursday in Annapolis has tested positive for rabies, health officials announced.

The bat was found at an apartment complex in the 700 block of Newtowne Drive, according to a release.

Rabies can be spread to humans via a bite or scratch, or through saliva contact with a person's eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin. Officials ask anyone who has had contact with a bat or seen a bat with a sleeping person or child to call 410-222-7256 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After business hours, residents can call 443-481-3140 to discuss the incident and recommend medical treatment.

In case of possible pet contact with a bat, officials ask residents to call animal control at 410-222-8900.

If you see a bat in your home or one behaving oddly, do not touch the bat, officials advised in a release. Instead, contain it in a room or under a trash can and call animal control, the release states.