Tompkins health officials seek man bitten by rabid bat in Ithaca

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Ithaca, 27 August 08 -- Tompkins County Health Department officials say they're looking for a man who was bitten by a rabid bat on Sunday near downtown Ithaca, and needs to begin a regimen of rabies shots. The man was bitten on Sunday, August 24th, in the small northside park on West Marshall Street, near Kinney Drugs and Gimme! Coffee.

The man was reportedly bitten when he picked up the bat. The bat was later captured by the health department, and was found to be rabid. If the bite victim doesn't begin treatment immediately, he could contract rabies, which could be fatal if left untreated.

He's described as white, about 20-25 years old, and about six feet tall with brown hair and dark eyes. His arms and hands are tattooed, and he was with a young woman with blonde dreadlocks, and an unleashed dog.

If you are or can help identify this man, please contact Frank Chase or Skip Parr at the Tompkins County Health Department at 607-274-6688.