On April 3, several children handled a live bat at Higbee Park in Bethlehem before it died. The bat was then transported to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Laboratories for rabies testing, but was unable to be tested due to the bodily damage it sustained.

While several of the children who handled the bat have been identified, there may be others who need to be located, as they must be evaluated for treatment of possible rabies exposure.

An exposure to rabies can be fatal for a human or other mammals, such as dogs and cats.

"I urge all parents whose children may have played at Higbee Park on April 3, to determine if their child had any contact with the bat, and if so, to contact the Bethlehem Health Bureau immediately," Bethlehem Health Director Kristen Wenrich said.

It is recommended citizens never attempt to handle a wild or domesticated animal not their own as a health and safety precaution. All sick or injured animals should be reported to the local police department or animal control officer.

Pet owners are encouraged to keep dogs and cats current on rabies vaccinations. By Pennsylvania law, all domesticated dogs and cats over three months of age must be vaccinated against rabies. Do not feed wildlife, stray or feral cats, or stray dogs.

Anyone who is bitten, scratched, or otherwise exposed to an animal should seek prompt medical care.

To report an actual or potential exposure to a wild or domesticated animal, call the Bethlehem Health Bureau at 610-865-7083.