LAKELAND, Fla. — A dead bat found last week in Lakeland tested positive for rabies — making for five confirmed cases of the disease in Polk County for 2024.
The sheriff's office says a woman who lives on West Palm Drive found a dead bat on Nov. 27 in a bag among her children's toys.
Animal control officers collected the bat and sent it to a state laboratory in Tampa where it tested positive for rabies.
The Florida Department of Health in Polk County is now treating the woman for rabies exposure. Deputies said the family dog is vaccinated against rabies.
“Luckily this family's pet is vaccinated against this dangerous disease. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you come into contact with sick, injured, or deceased wildlife," Sheriff Grady Judd said.
If you see an animal acting unusual or think you or your pet has had exposure to rabies, you're urged to contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863-577-1762.