A bat found in Tenoroc High School in Auburndale has tested positive for rabies, officials said.
On Tuesday, animal control officers took the bat and sent it to the state laboratory for rabies testing.
The state laboratory confirmed the bat tested positive for rabies on Friday.
The Polk County Health Department is now notifying people who may have been exposed to the bat.
This is the seventh confirmed case of rabies this year in Polk County.
Rabies is a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is generally transmitted to humans by exposure to infected animals. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should contact a doctor immediately.