A rabid bat discovered near a neighborhood in California has led health officials to advise residents to avoid contact with wildlife and seek immediate medical help if exposure is suspected. On May 26, a bat was found near Palo Verde Common in South Fremont, close to a sidewalk where pedestrians and animals could easily access it, according to the Fremont Police Department.
Alameda County Vector Control confirmed the bat tested positive for rabies. While the agency is investigating, no human or animal exposures have been linked to the bat yet.
Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that affects the brain and nervous system,the police stated in a news release.
The disease is preventable with timely rabies vaccine shots following exposure. Residents have been informed about the risks associated with rabies.
Authorities advise anyone who may have touched or been bitten by the bat to contact the Alameda County Public Health Acute Communicable Disease Program at 510-267-3250 and seek immediate medical attention. It is crucial to avoid contact with bats and other wild animals that may carry rabies, such as skunks, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons.
Police noted that unvaccinated dogs and cats are at medium to high risk of contracting and spreading rabies. They emphasized not to touch sick or dead animals and reporting unusual animal behavior to Fremont Animal Services or the Alameda County Public Health Department.
The authorities cautioned against handling bats found in homes or yards. They recommended keeping pets vaccinated against rabies, confining them to the property, and removing any outdoor food sources that may attract wildlife.
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