A University of Evansville student found a bat that appeared to be in distress on campus earlier this week. The Vanderburgh County Health Department has confirmed that the bat tested positive for rabies. The student has received medical treatment as a precaution and reports feeling fine. Because the bat was found on campus, it is important for anyone who has had direct contact with this particular bat to report it to the Health and Wellness Center (812-488-2033) or Safety and Security at (812-488-2051) and go to the local emergency room immediately. If the skin is broken, wash it immediately with soap and warm water for at least 10 minutes. The Health Department has also requested that if you see a bat on campus (live or dead) to contact the Evansville Animal Care and Control at 435-6015. 

The Vanderburgh County Health Department has asked us to remind the University community that bats, raccoons, foxes, skunks and coyotes tend to have the highest transmission of rabies. Four of these animals appear often even in the city limits. It is extremely important not to handle these animals.