News Summary
A rabid bat was discovered on Humboldt Avenue in Providence, prompting health officials to urge residents to seek immediate care if they may have been exposed. The bat tested positive for rabies after being captured by animal control. Although there are no known exposures reported, the Rhode Island Department of Health encourages caution and timely contact for potential rabies exposure. Public health officials are monitoring the situation closely while reminding the community to maintain pet vaccinations and report any incidents involving erratic wildlife.
Providence, R.I. – A rabid bat was discovered in the city on Wednesday, October 1. The bat was found on Humboldt Avenue, near Gladys Potter Park, and was captured by Providence animal control after reports of its erratic behavior. Following its capture, the bat was tested for rabies at a Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) laboratory and returned a positive result for the virus.
Currently, there are no known exposures to the bat reported. However, health officials are urging anyone who believes they may have come into contact with the bat to take immediate action. Residents are advised to call the RIDOH’s Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 401-222-2577, which is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For after-hours inquiries, the public can reach out at 401-276-8046.
In the event that a pet may have encountered the bat, individuals should contact the Providence Animal Control Division at 401-680-5000. The RIDOH emphasizes the critical importance of receiving appropriate medical care after potential rabies exposure, as the virus can lead to severe disease in the brain and may result in death if untreated. Rabies treatment must be initiated as soon as possible following exposure to be effective.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects mammals, including humans and domestic animals. The virus is typically transmitted through bites or scratches from an infected animal. In this case, effective public health measures are in place to assess exposure risk and ensure that individuals receive the timely care necessary to prevent the onset of the disease. The RIDOH has provided additional resources for the public, encouraging anyone seeking further information on rabies to visit health.ri.gov/rabies.
As the situation develops, local health authorities will continue to monitor and respond to potential exposure cases in the community. Community members are reminded to exercise caution around wildlife and to maintain vaccination for pets to prevent rabies transmission.
In the event of any future sightings of erratic wildlife, residents are reminded to report these occurrences to local animal control to prevent further risks to public health.
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Rabid Bat Discovered in Providence, Health Officials Warn
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Rabid Bat Found Near Providence Park
- WPRI: Rabid Bat Found in Providence
- Turn to 10: Health Department Warns of Rabid Bat
- ABC6: Bat Captured in Providence Tests Positive for Rabies
- GoLocalProv: Bat Found at East Side of Providence Children’s Park
- Wikipedia: Rabies
- Google Search: Rabies
- Google Scholar: Rabies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rabies
- Google News: Rabies
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
