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Public health officials are warning residents to take precautions after a rabid bat was found in Eagle Point. Jackson Baures of Jackson County Public Health said on the afternoon of July 13, a bat flew into a person, touching his or skin, then apparently flopped around on the ground. The adult, whom Baures did not identify because of privacy concerns, captured the bat and took it to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, who euthanized it and called public health officials. The bat was sent to Oregon State University, where it tested positive for rabies, Baures said. The Eagle Point adult was advised to begin prophylaxis treatments as a precaution. It wasn’t known whether the adult suffered a bite or a scratch, but it “doesn’t take much to transmit rabies,” Baures said. About 8 to 10 percent of the bats tested for rabies are positive every year, Baures said. So far this year, seven bats have tested positive for rabies in Oregon, according to the Oregon Health Authority. “So consider all bats rabid and don’t handle them,” Baures said. “It’s a reminder that bats can carry rabies. ... And importantly, also vaccinate your pets.” If a pet has contact with a suspected rabid animal such as a bat or fox, and if the suspect animal tests positive for rabies or can’t be found, the pet must either be quarantined for four months or euthanized, Baures said. With rabies being fatal except in rare circumstances, “we’re very protective about that,” Baures said. “I’d like to remind people that it’s serious; even though by law it’s not required to vaccinate your cat against rabies, we’re always recommending it.” It is required in Oregon to vaccinate dogs, however, Baures said. Do not approach bats, wildlife, or other mammals seen exhibiting odd behavior, public health officials advise. Instead, take children and pets indoors and call ODFW at 866-968-2600. Take extreme precautions before attempting to safely capture a bat for rabies testing, health officials say. If it is necessary to pick up a bat, wear heavy gloves, use a shovel or both. Efforts should be made to collect the bat without destroying the head — the brain must be examined in a test for rabies — and the bat should be kept in a cool place. If skin contact has been made with a rabid animal, immediately seek medical attention and report the incident to Jackson County at 541-774-8045. For more information about rabies, visit oregon.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .