COLLINSVILLE - Madison County authorities say a bat found in Woodland Park has tested positive for rabies.

The bat was left at a veterinary hospital on Monday by a woman who said she found it while at the park with her children. The Madison County Health Department is trying to contact the woman and asks that she contact the department at 618-692-8954, extension 2.

Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals and can be fatal without treatment. It can be spread by the bite of an infected animal or contact with a rabid animal's saliva.

Bats are the primary carriers of rabies in Illinois and 45 have testified positive for rabies in the state this year.

Debbie Knoll, personal health services manager at the health department, said people should avoid physical contact with bats and notify local animal control authorities when they see a bat or other animal behaving strangely.