Rabid Bat Alert: Manassas Police Warn Public

MANASSAS — The Manassas police and city officials are asking anyone who came in contact with a bat found last weekend in an Old Town store to contact them immediately. They announced Thursday that the bat has tested positive for rabies.

"Any person in contact with the bat is at high risk for having contracted the disease and at risk for serious health-related issues," the City Police Department warned on Thursday in a statement.

One of the department's animal control officers found the injured bat in responding to a call at about 1:40 p.m. Saturday at Calico Jack's, 9115 Center St.

"The bat was collected and found to have tested positive for rabies," the police said. They believe that an unknown person handled the bat before the animal control officer arrived at the the store, which sells jewelry and organic products.

The department's Animal Control Section is asking anyone who came in contact with this bat on Saturday to immediately call the Prince William Health District at (703) 792-7329 and Senior Animal Control Officer Daigle at (703) 257-8102.

"Only individuals in physical contact with the animal are at risk and there are no health risks to the general public," the department said.

The police are also reminding everyone that they should never handle bats or other wild animals. If you do come in contact with a wild animal, call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (703) 257-8000.