DHMH: Bat at Ravens game may have rabies

BALTIMORE (WMAR) - The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) is alerting Maryland residents to a possible rabies exposure at a Ravens football game.

A bat reportedly landed on a person sitting in the 500 section of M&T Bank Stadium on Friday, August 17 during the Ravens versus the Detroit Lions game.

The bat was brushed off and flew away, so testing for rabies was not possible.  Officials say it is possible that other people seated in that area may have also been touched by the bat.

If you touched a bat or had any contact with a bat while at that game, please call your local health department to be tested for rabies.

In Maryland alone, more than 200 animals have been diagnosed with rabies so far this year, including 40 bats and 1 deer.

"People should take special precautions if their pet encounters a wild animal," says Kim Mitchell, DHMH Chief of Rabies and Vector-borne Diseases. "Anyone who has had contact with a pet or a wild animal that they suspect might have rabies should consult with their health care provider as soon as possible."

Rabies is a serious disease, but can be prevented with prompt medical assessment and timely vaccination after exposure.

For more information about rabies, click here .