LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has confirmed a bat found in the kitchen of a residence near Pepperhill and Chinoe roads tested positive for rabies, prompting officials to warn residents in the 40502 zip code area of potential exposure risks.

The bat was discovered inside a home on August 6 and submitted for testing. According to the health department, no people or pets were exposed to the animal, and Environmental Health staff has posted rabid animal placards in the affected area to alert residents.

This is the third confirmed rabid bat found in Lexington this year, following similar cases reported in April and June. The health department emphasized that rabies is a fatal but preventable disease that can be transmitted through bites or contact with an infected animal's saliva via the eyes, nose, mouth, or open wounds. Bats have small teeth, and bite marks may not always be visible, officials warned.

The health department urged residents to keep pets current on rabies vaccinations and to immediately contact the department if they believe they or a family member has been exposed to any animal behaving abnormally. Those who find a bat inside their home should contain it if possible rather than release it.

Anyone who suspects possible exposure should contact the LFCHD's Division of Environmental Health at 859-231-9791. Medical treatment for rabies exposure consists of wound cleaning followed by post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes immunoglobulin and a series of vaccinations and is effective when administered promptly.