The Mecklenburg County Department of Public Health issued an alert Monday for residents living near Alexander Street in the 28206 ZIP code.

In total, Mecklenburg County has reported five confirmed rabies cases this year, including two recent cases involving bats.

Officials say the latest cases involved two human exposures and two domestic pet exposures. The infected bats tested positive for rabies, prompting renewed warnings about safety and prevention.

Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the central nervous system. It spreads through the saliva of infected animals via bites, scratches, or open wounds. While rabies is preventable through vaccination, it is not curable once symptoms begin.

Health officials urge residents to take the following precautions: • Keep all pets, including

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