Rabid Bat Found Near Strip Mall

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is notifying the neighborhoods surrounding the intersection of Bayshore Drive and Tamiami Trail East of a bat which tested positive for rabies. The bat was found outside a store at the Gulf Gate Plaza on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. The bat was taken to a local veterinary clinic by a man and woman, approximately 50-70 years-of-age, who may be visiting from Switzerland. DOH-Collier is seeking to identify these individuals to assess their rabies risk. Extensive efforts to locate these individuals have been unsuccessful thus far.