ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Two bats collected in St. Louis County have tested positive for rabies, according to the Department of Public Health (DPH). 

One bat was collected on June 15 from a residence in Ballwin and the second bat was collected on June 23 from a residence in Maplewood. 

These are the first bats to test positive for rabies in St. Louis County this year. DPH reminds residents to be cautious around wildlife.

DPH says to avoid direct contact with or handling all wildlife or any animal behaving strangely; teach children to stay a safe distance away from unknown animals and unknown pets; and ensure your pets are properly vaccinated against rabies.

DPH recommends the following if there is a bat inside one’s home: 

• Do not attempt to capture a live bat. Instead, confine it to the room where it was discovered.
• Never release a bat found in a home if it was present where people were sleeping or in a room with anyone who cannot describe the nature and extent of their exposure.
• Saint Louis County residents should call DPH Animal Care and Control immediately so animal control officers can collect the bat for possible rabies testing.
• If you think you may have been exposed to a bat, Saint Louis County residents can call DPH communicable disease investigators (314-615-1630) to discuss the possible need for a rabies vaccine.

DPH Animal Care and Control is available at 314-615-0650 during regular business hours Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For after business hours, dial 636-529-8210.