LAKELAND, Fla. – Health officials confirmed the fifth rabies case in Polk County this year after a bat tested positive for the virus in Lakeland on Thursday, July 30.
The incident began on Monday, July 27, when Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control officers responded to a home on Lakewood Circle. A local resident contacted authorities after discovering her cat playing with a bat outside.
An Animal Control officer took the bat and sent it to a state laboratory for testing. Lab results returned on July 30 confirmed the bat was infected with rabies. Authorities stated that the cat involved is currently vaccinated against the disease…