 Friday, October 24, 2025
Be cautious: It’s fall, and bats are active
 Bats in two ZIP codes in Jefferson County, 40059 and 40217, recently tested positive for rabies. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife notes that bats mate in the fall and then hibernate during the winter. Bats are an important part of our ecosystem in that they eat insects (especially those pesky mosquitoes).
Sometimes bats roost in home attics, garages, barns, under shutters and behind gutters. If you discover a bat around your home, remember not to touch it. Bats that are active during the day or are unable to fly could have rabies. In these recent instances, there does not appear to have been contact between the bats and any humans.
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.
In one of our cases, a family pet was exposed to the bat. Thankfully, the dog was up to date on rabies vaccinations.
If your pet encounters a bat:
- Contact LMPHW at 502-574-6650. 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.
To learn more about rabies prevention, including how to prevent bats from entering your home visit our website. If you have general questions regarding bats or rabies, contact the LMPHW Rabies Prevention Program at 502-574-6640.
All in on Clean: Teaming up
for a cleaner, healthier Louisville
 Louisville Metro and partner agencies joined forces on October 17 for the city’s first All in on Clean initiative — a coordinated cleanup effort that marks the first collaboration of its kind in Louisville.
Work took place along Powell Avenue, Craig Avenue, and Wheeler Avenue, where crews focused on improving cleanliness and safety. Participating agencies included Solid Waste Management Services (SWMS), Public Health and Wellness, the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), LMPD, Brightside, and PARC.
The effort included street sweeping, catch basin cleaning, West Nile virus prevention, and litter pickup. Each team played a role in showcasing the city’s year-round enthusiasm for clean streets and vibrant neighborhoods.
Local children were excited to come out, watch the crews in action, and learn about how each agency helps keep Louisville clean, safe and healthy.
All in on Clean highlights how collaboration across city departments helps keep Louisville a safer, cleaner, and healthier place to live and work — while engaging residents to do their part through community education, volunteering, and neighborhood pride.
Learn more about this All in on Clean initiative on Mayor Craig Greenberg's Facebook page and on WDRB.
Our clinic provides free, private testing
for sexually transmitted infections
 Worried about your sexual health? Whether it's HIV, syphilis or another infection, we've got you covered. Knowing your status is an important step to stopping infections. The best way to know is to be tested.
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) Specialty Clinic, 914 E. Broadway, Suite #102, provides STI testing, treatment and counseling services. The clinic operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free condoms are available.
For more information about our Specialty Clinic, please view our brochure (Spanish version) to learn more about our services. Need more care? Next-day appointments are available for exams and treatment.
Our clinic is 914 E. Broadway, Suite #102. For more information, please visit our webpage.
Out of Darkness Walk shines light
on suicide prevention
 You're invited to join the Louisville Out of the Darkness Walk at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 at Waterfront Park. Registration begins at 10 a.m.
The Community Walks, held in hundreds of communities across the country, are the core of the Out of the Darkness movement, which began in 2004. These events give people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause, and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost.
Every dollar you raise through the Out of the Darkness Walks allows the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to invest in life-saving research, education, advocacy, and support for those impacted by suicide. To save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide, it's more important than ever to stay connected.
For registration, please scan the QR code or click here for more information.
If you are someone you know is facing mental health struggles, emotional distress or just needs to talk to someone, caring counselors are available at the 988 Lifeline. Call or text 988.
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