Article: Rabid bat `cluster' sparks health alert ; Officials: People should avoid sick or dead animals.

Three bats have tested positive for rabies over the past month in the Columbia area, the Columbia/Boone County Health Department said yesterday. Although officials say the health risk to humans is small, they are warning people to avoid contact with all bats that appear sick or are already dead.

"It's the time of year when we would expect to see it, but three in less than a month is a cluster," said Environmental Health Manager Gerry Worley. "If we could cause one person not to handle a bat because of this" media "coverage, that would be good."

The first bat was collected June 29 on Westwood Avenue, the second July 15 on North South Court in Sunrise Estates and the third July 22 on Gans Road ...

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