Second Rabies‑Positive Bat Found in Tuscarawas County
DOVER (WJER) (Oct. 8, 2026) – Tuscarawas County health officials are urging residents to avoid contact with bats after a second rabies‑positive bat was confirmed this year.
Environmental Health Director Caroline Terakedis says the bat was found near Walnut and Franklin streets in Uhrichsville and was submitted for testing after coming into contact with a resident, who has already begun and is continuing rabies post‑exposure treatment.
Terakedis says about four percent of tested bats statewide carry the virus.
She adds that waking up in a room with a bat should be treated as a potential exposure because bat bites can be tiny and hard to detect.
Officials also remind residents to keep dogs, cats, and ferrets up to date on rabies vaccinations.