PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (AP) – State public health officials say a bat found in Portsmouth earlier this week has tested positive for rabies.
The brown bat, which appeared ill, was found last Saturday and several people approached it to take a look, the Rhode Island Department of Health said Saturday.
The bat was taken to the department’s laboratory and the positive rabies test was confirmed Wednesday.
Anyone who may have had contact with the bat, or whose pet had contact with the bat, is urged to contact the state health department as soon as possible.