LINCOLNTON, N.C. – Lincoln County officials have confirmed the first case of rabies in the county for 2024, involving a bat.
The rabid bat was found dead in a residence on Monday, May 6th. Officials sent the bat to the state lab for testing and confirmed a positive test.
Officials did not provide additional details about the case, but reminded residents about what to do if they encounter a bat.
“Although bats play an important role in our ecosystem, they can also carry diseases,” officials said in a news release. “It is best to leave wildlife alone.
If a bat is found in a living space/dwelling, or you or your pet potentially had contact with a bat, call Lincoln County Animal Services at (704) 736-4125 to help trap the bat for testing or safely trap the bat yourself.”
Gaston County had its third confirmed rabies case of the year earlier this week.
