Rabid Bat Found at St. Margaret’s Elementary School Prompts Health Department Alert
A bat that tested positive for rabies was found inside St. Margaret's Elementary School in Bel Air, Harford County, Maryland, prompting the Harford County Health Department to alert parents and advise them to check if their children had any contact…
Baltimore, MD, September 16, 2026 — A bat later confirmed to be positive for rabies was discovered inside St. Margaret’s Elementary School, located in Bel Air, Harford County, Maryland. The discovery led to an alert issued by the Harford County Health Department to parents of students attending the school.
Officials from the Harford County Health Department are urging parents to check if their children had any direct or indirect contact with the animal. The department has advised parents to be vigilant and report any potential exposure. Specific details regarding the exact date of the discovery or the precise location within the school where the bat was found were not immediately available.
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically spread through a bite. While rare, rabies can be fatal to humans if not treated promptly after exposure. The Harford County Health Department’s communication aims to ensure that any necessary preventive measures can be taken if a child may have come into contact with the rabid bat.
The health department typically provides guidance on post-exposure prophylaxis, which is a course of medication to prevent rabies infection after a potential exposure. Further information or specific instructions for parents are expected to be disseminated by the department. The school administration’s direct involvement or any specific protocols implemented by St. Margaret’s Elementary School beyond the health department’s advisory were not detailed.
Story summarized from the original created by Ashley Paul on www.cbsnews.com, see more information here.
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