Rabid Bat Found In Jamestown

JAMESTOWN, RI —A rabid bat was discovered in Jamestown's Beavertail State Park, the Rhode Island Department of Health reported.

A worker found the injured, rabid bat by the water hose spigot on the Lighthouse Building about 9 a.m. July 30, according to a media release issued by the department of health.

"Rabies is a fatal disease if it is not treated before the onset of symptoms," the release said.

The department urged anyone who may have had direct contact with the bat to immediately call its Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 401-222-2577 during business hour from Monday to Friday or 401-276-8046 after hours. The department of health also said anyone whose pet may have been in contact with the bat should also call.

Efforts were made to save the bat before evidence of the fatal illness surfaced, according to the release.

"The bat was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation facility and later euthanized when staff noticed that the bat was displaying symptoms of rabies," the release said.

Rabies infects the central nervous system.

"If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death," the release said. "Rabies treatment must be started as soon as possible after exposure."