CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Health officials are urging residents to exercise extreme caution after a bat found in Ross County tested positive for rabies this week.
The Ross County Health District (RCHD) confirmed Thursday that the infected bat was discovered on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Liberty Township. The Ohio Department of Health laboratory subsequently tested the animal and confirmed the positive rabies diagnosis.
According to public health officials, two domestic dogs were exposed to the rabid bat. Fortunately, there have been no known human exposures reported at this time.
A High-Risk Species in Ross County
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. It is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal via a bite, scratch, or open wound. On very rare occasions, transmission can occur if the saliva comes into contact with a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth.
While raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes are common carriers in Ohio, local health officials note that bats carry a significantly higher risk for rabies within Ross County compared to other wildlife species.
RCHD warns that bat exposures can happen subtly. High-risk situations include:
- Directly handling a bat or having one fly into you.
- Waking up to find a bat in your bedroom.
- Finding a bat in a room or outdoor area near a young child.
How to Protect Your Household
In light of the confirmed case, the health district is reminding the community of vital safety protocols to reduce the risk of rabies:
- Vaccinate Your Pets: Keeping cats and dogs up to date on their rabies vaccinations is the single most effective barrier against the disease.
- Avoid Wildlife: Do not touch or handle live or dead bats. If bats are nesting inside a home, residents should contact a licensed wildlife removal professional.
- Know What to Do If Bitten: Anyone who believes they have been bitten or exposed to a bat should seek immediate emergency medical attention.
Important Testing Note: If a bat needs to be captured for testing, it is critical not to damage the animal’s head, as the brain tissue is required for laboratory analysis. Residents can contact the RCHD Environmental Health Division at 740-775-1158 for strict guidance on safe bat capture.
Community Prevention Efforts
The diagnosis comes just days after the RCHD held a public rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, May 16, at Yoctangee Park in Chillicothe. Staffed by Environmental Health Division employees and volunteers, the event successfully vaccinated 26 local pets.
Due to the ongoing risk, health officials announce they are already planning a second low-cost rabies vaccine clinic for the fall season of 2026. Details will be released as plans are finalized.
For more information regarding local rabies tracking, or to report an animal bite, visit www.rosscountyhealth.org or call the RCHD Environmental Health Division.
