HEALTH ALERT! BATS TEST POSITIVE FOR RABIES IN CITY

Two bats tested positive for the dangerous rabies virus in Denver so far this month - the first cases of the year, animal protection officials said.

The first bat was found in the Sloan Lake neighborhood July 8. The second bat was found in the Highlands neighborhood July 17.

"The viral disease affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal if symptoms develop," Denver Animal Protection said. "What’s concerning is that bat bites may go unnoticed since bats have small teeth, making their bites difficult to detect.

"Bats are prevalent in Colorado and can make their way into people’s homes," officials said. "DAP picks up bats routinely throughout the summer, sometimes multiple times a week."