On August 24, 2016, a bat found on the sidewalk in front of 437 North Geneva Street, near the intersection of Cascadilla Street in the City of Ithaca, was determined to be rabid by the New York Stat Rabies Laboratory.
 
If you or your pets have had any contact with this bat, please contact the Tompkins County Health Department at 274-6688 immediately to discuss possible exposure to rabies. Untreated rabies in humans is fatal.
 
The Health Department reminds everyone to:

1.  Avoid contact with any unfamiliar cats or dogs and any wild animals.
2. All cats, dogs and ferrets must have initial rabies vaccinations administered no later than four months of age.  Keep vaccinations current!
3. Report the following incidents to the Tompkins County Health Department at 274-6688:

• All animal bites or scratches.
• Any human or pet contact with salvia or other potentially infectious material (brain tissue, spinal tissue, or cerebro-spinal fluid) of wild animals or any animal suspected of having rabies.
• All bat bites, scratches, or any mere skin contact with a bat, or a bat in a room with a child, or sleeping or impaired person.

v12i33