Bat Tests Positive For Rabies In North Stonington, Health Officials Say

NORTH STONINGTON, CT — A bat found on Anthony Road in North Stonington tested positive for rabies Monday, according to the Ledge Light Health District.

"Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including people," the health district wrote on Facebook. "It is spread mostly by wild animals, but unvaccinated cats and dogs may also become infected and spread the virus. The rabies virus lives in the saliva and brain tissue of infected animals. Rabies can be spread by scratches from infected animals or when infected saliva comes into contact with open wounds, breaks in the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.)"

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Health officials had the following advice for residents:

• Refrain from feeding or approaching any wild or stray animals
• Keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccines
• Limit your pets' unsupervised time outside

For questions or concerns, contact Ledge Light Health District at 860-448-4882 or North Stonington Animal Control at 860-287-2197.