Department of Public Health confirms second rabid bat found in Wareham

Sep 4, 2018

The Wareham Department of Natural Resources confirmed the town’s second rabies case of the year in a bat found near the 200 block of Great Neck Road on Sept. 2. The first case was reported on Aug. 30 after a bat which tested positive rabies was found near Crooked River Road.

According to a press release, a resident reported a live bat found inside a home on Sunday, Sept. 2 had come in contact with one of the occupants. Wareham Department of Natural Resources officials captured the bat and sent it to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for testing.

On Tuesday, Sept. 4, local officials were notified the bat tested positive for rabies, a potentially fatal disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals.

Officials asked residents to take precautions and noted the bat was found within one mile of the first reported case.

“We are urging everyone to make sure your pets are up to date with their rabies vaccine and tagged accordingly. If you are in doubt, check with your veterinarian,” officials said.

Residents who suspect a bat or other animal is “acting in a sickly fashion” are encouraged to call the Wareham Department of Natural Resources at 508-291-3100 ext. 3180 of the Wareham Police Department at 508-295-1212.