'Potentially Rabid Bat' Spotted At Roger Williams Park Zoo: Health Department

A "potentially rabid bat" was spotted at Roger Williams Park Zoo, the state reported.

The bat was reported to the state Friday and the Rhode Island Department of Health launched an investigation, according to the department.

"The bat was observed by a group of visitors in the zoo’s water play area" Aug. 24, the health department said.

"The zoo’s veterinarian informed RIDOH that the incident was considered to be a low risk of human exposure, the bat was safely discarded per protocol, and there were no observations or reports of the bat prior to" it being spotted Aug. 24.

"Although this bat was observed at the zoo several weeks ago and was discarded before it could be tested for rabies, anyone who had contact with a bat in the zoo on or before (Aug. 24) should contact RIDOH’s Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 401-222-2577 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 401-276-8046 after hours)," the department urged. "RIDOH staff will be able to assess exposure and determine if treatment is necessary."

Rabies infects the central nervous system and if not treated, can cause brain disease and death.

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