NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - A bat found this week in North Little Rock tested positive for the rabies virus. The North Little Rock Animal Control warns people in the area to not make contact with any bats or wildlife.
The infected bat was found September 3rd on Garland Avenue. The organization's director asks parents who live in that area to make sure their children have not had any contact with bats or other wildlife. Any person who has been exposed to rabies should get medical attention immediately.
Pet owners should make sure their pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
The Animal Control says the two most common carriers of the rabies virus in Arkansas are skunks and bats. The most common symptom of this deadly virus is abnormal behavior.
Anyone who notices a bat or other wild animal displaying odd behavior or looking sick should notify their local animal control, law enforcement agency, or the Arkansas Department of Health.
Any contact with bats, accidental or otherwise, should be reported immediately.
The Arkansas Department of Health has a map listing all of the rabies cases reported in the state (PDF) on their website.