PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — The Pike County General Health District has confirmed that a bat found in Beaver Township on June 10 has tested positive for rabies. The health district stated that a domestic cat was potentially exposed, but no human exposures have been identified at this time.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted through the bite or saliva of infected animals. In Ohio, the most common rabies carriers are bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.

Health officials across the state have been urging residents to take precautions, such as keeping pets vaccinated, avoiding contact with wildlife, securing trash and outdoor food sources, and reporting animals that appear to be sick or behaving unusually.

This case is one of several across southern Ohio, indicating increased rabies activity in the region.

Local health departments are continuing to monitor and respond to these cases. Public awareness and responsible pet care are essential to preventing the disease from spreading.

The Leesburg Times will continue to follow this case and future rabies detections across southern Ohio.