Victim of bat bite dies from rabies after non-treatment of the disease

HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. — The victim of a bat bite in Highlands County, Fla., has died from rabies, according to the Florida Health Department.

The department confirmed a bat transmitted rabies to a person in Highlands County, but did not say when or exactly where the incident took place, according to WPLG-TV.

“It is important to avoid direct contact with wildlife,” Mara Gambineri, spokeswoman of the Florida Health Department said in a press release.

“If you believe you may have been exposed to rabies, including any physical contact with a bat, contact your health care provider and your county health department right away.”

According to the Florida Department of Health's website, "the virus is present in some wildlife in Florida and can spread to unvaccinated pets, which then pose a high risk to the pet owner and their family."

The main wildlife sources of rabies in Florida are raccoons and bats, according to the website.

Cox Media Group