HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. -- The Hillsborough County Department of Health is investigating a rabies case after a woman was bitten by a bat on Monday, July 16.

  • Woman bitten by small bat in Sun City Center area
  • Woman discovered bat later clinging to her arm
  • Bat tested positive for rabies

Officials said the woman felt something strike her on the arm while she was helping a friend into a vehicle in a parking lot around the Sun City Center area. 

The woman said she didn't see what it was and went home. When she went to the bathroom she discovered a small bat clinging to her arm. Officials said the woman immediately squished it with a towel. 

Officials said the Department of Health tested the bat for rabies and the results came back positive. 

Officials urge anyone who has been bitten, scratched, or exposed to the saliva of any wild animal or an animal that is acting unusual to report the exposure to the local health department. Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm-blooded animals and humans.

Officials say people should avoid contact with any wild animal. Last year, three animals exposed ten people. In 2018, Hillsborough County has identified seven rabid animals -- four cats, two bats, and one raccoon -- that exposed 15 people and four domestic dogs to the disease.

Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

  • Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
  • If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center at 1-813-744-5660.
  • Do not handle, feed or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
  • Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
  • Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
  • Persons who have been bitten or scratched by wild or domestic animals should seek medical attention and report the injury to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at 1-813-307-8059.