August 23, 2023
Media Contact: Larry Hill, Northern/Eastern Region PIO, 757-449-4287, larry.hill@vdh.virginia.gov
Rabid Bat Found in Park
LINDEN, Va. — On Thursday, August 17, Warren County Animal Control delivered a bat to the health department that was collected from Linden Park 1619 Dismal Hollow Rd. in Linden.
The bat was sent to Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) in Richmond on August 17 and was reported to be positive for rabies Friday evening, August 18.
The bat was found by a group of children along with parents that were visiting the park. Lord Fairfax health department staff interviewed the parents, and no direct exposures were identified from the group. It was reported that others were present at the park at the time. The date of concern for exposure for those that went to that playground area would be from Monday, August 14 and Thursday, August 17.
Anyone having information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, mouth) is asked to contact the Environmental Health Office of the Warren County Health Department at (540)-635-3159. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours emergency contact number, you can call (540) -665-8611.
The health department would like to remind all citizens to follow these four important rabies prevention guidelines:
- Vaccinate your pets.
- Report all exposures to animals (usually bites and scratches) to your doctor and the local health department.
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance – don’t feed or encourage wild animals such as raccoons, skunks or foxes to visit your premises.
- Do not feed your pets outside, leave trash uncovered, or do anything that may attract wild animals to your property.
Additional information on rabies is available from the Virginia Department of Health at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-epidemiology/rabies-control/.
The Lord Fairfax Health District serves residents in the city of Winchester and Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah and Warren counties. For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/lord-fairfax/.
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