Eighth Rabies Case Found in Mecklenburg County After Bat Tests Positive

Tests show a bat carries rabies in Steele Creek, marking case number eight this year in Mecklenburg County. The sick animal turned up near Choate Circle in the 28273 area. While it met a local dog, no humans touched the bat.

Officials will alert neighbors about the risk. Since January, the count stands at five bats and three raccoons with the virus in the county.

The virus keeps showing up across different spots. Three raccoons sick with rabies were found in the 28227, 28105, and 28211 areas. Infected bats showed up in 28266, 28105, and most recently 28273.

During 2024, officials tracked 15 cases total. This latest find fits a pattern: wild animals keep getting sick, much like when a raccoon had rabies in Steele Creek two years back.

Just next door, Lincoln County faces a bigger challenge with 13 sick animals in 2025. Yet health workers say these numbers match past years, so standard safety rules should work fine.

More people now rush to protect their pets. Last month's shot clinic saw a big jump: half again as many visits as the year before.

The county still runs free monthly shot clinics. Want to keep safe? The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services stands ready with tips and vaccine details.