Rabid bat found in Cumberland home

Cumberland County reported its 15th case of rabies Tuesday after a bat tested positive for the virus.

Posted 7:43 p.m. Sep 17, 2013 — Updated 7:43 p.m. Sep 17, 2013

CUMBERLAND, N.C. — Cumberland County reported its 15th case of rabies Tuesday after a bat tested positive for the virus.

Officials said the live bat was found Monday in a residence in the 200 block of Forest Creek Drive and sent to a state lab for testing.

Seven people living in the home may have been exposed and have been advised to seek medical attention, officials said.

The Animal Control Enforcement Division is conducting a neighborhood sweep to notify residents of the rabies case.

“A bat indoors can bite people in their sleep without them feeling it,” Animal Control Director Dr. John Lauby said in a statement.

Residents are encouraged to avoid wild or strangely behaving animals and make sure their pets have current rabies vaccination. Call Animal Control at 910-321-6852 during business hours or the sheriff’s office at 910-323-1500 after hours for assistance.

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