Bat found in Okolona ZIP code tests positive for rabies

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 11, 2025) – A deceased bat recently found outside a residence in Okolona (40219) has tested positive for rabies.

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) is reminding people to never touch a bat if they encounter one. Bats that are active during the day or are unable to fly might be suspect for having rabies. In this instance, there does not appear to be any contact between the bat and any humans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to rabid bats is the leading cause of rabies in humans in the United States.  

Data from the Public Health and Wellness Lab shows that since 2019, at least 21 bats have tested positive for rabies in Jefferson County.

• 2019 – 4 bats 
• 2020 – 2 (1 bat, 1 dog) 
• 2021 – 7 bats 
• 2022 – 3 bats 
• 2023 – 2 bats 
• 2024 – 4 bats

“Transmission of rabies can occur through a bat’s bite or the animal’s saliva if it gets in a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound,” said Connie Mendel, Louisville’s chief health strategist. “Someone may not realize they have been bitten by a bat because they have very sharp, tiny teeth.”

The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. Without appropriate medical care, it can cause disease in the brain which can result in death. Preventative care after rabies exposure consists of a dose of human rabies immune globulin and the rabies vaccine series. Treatment is recommended for both bite and non-bite exposures. Once rabies symptoms begin, there is no treatment and the disease is fatal.

Rabies can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals including bats, skunks, racoons, and foxes. In Kentucky, bats and skunks are the most common hosts of rabies. 

Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets against the virus, avoiding wildlife, and seeking medical care immediately for potential exposure.

Prevent bats from entering your home

To prevent bats from entering your home, carefully examine your home for holes that might allow bats to enter the residence. Any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch could allow for bat entry. These openings should be blocked either with stainless steel wool or caulking in the fall or winter so you do not unintentionally trap bats within your home.

Common ways for bats to enter homes include down the chimney, through openings around the chimney, through vents, through openings behind shutters, under doors, under siding, under eaves and under shingles.

If you encounter a bat in your home

• If possible, close the door to isolate the bat in the room.
• Contact your doctor and LMPHW at 502-574-6650 right away. The health department will arrange for the bat to be collected and tested for rabies.
• If you know you have been bitten or scratched by a bat:
  • Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
  • If the bat tests negative for rabies, you will not need postexposure treatment.
• If you do not know how the bat got into your home, you will also need to contact a bat remediation specialist to determine if bats are living in your home.

If your pet encounters a bat:

• Contact LMPHW at 502-574-6650 or email publicfacilities@louisvilleky.gov. Your pet may need to be quarantined to ensure rabies is not transmitted. Please advise the health department if you choose to have your pet quarantined at another location besides your home.
• If your pet bites or scratches someone during a rabies exposure quarantine, you must report the incident to us at LMPHW.
• In Louisville, all pet owners must license their dogs, cats and ferrets with Louisville Metro Animal Services. All pets must be vaccinated against rabies.

If you have general questions regarding bats or rabies, contact the LMPHW Rabies Prevention Program at 502-574-6640.

For more information about rabies and prevention tips, visit our rabies control page.