A recent discovery of a rabid bat in a residential vicinity of the Bay Area has prompted local law enforcement to issue a caution regarding potential risks to both humans and pets.
The bat was located along a sidewalk in the Palo Verde Common region, positioned close enough for pedestrians and animals to come into contact with it, as detailed in a Facebook update by the Fremont Police Department on May 26.
Officials from the Alameda County Vector Control, who are leading the investigation, confirmed that the bat tested positive for rabies, according to the police.
To alert residents, the agency distributed informational leaflets around the neighborhood where the bat was found, detailing how rabies is transmitted.
The warning emphasized that “rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that targets the brain and nervous system.”
It further noted that “the disease is preventable if individuals or animals exposed to it receive a series of rabies vaccine shots promptly after exposure.”
The county’s Vector Control is investigating the incident, but said at this time, there are no known human or animal exposures associated with this discovery, per PD.
Police also reminded people that they should always avoid contact with bats and other wild animals that can carry rabies, pointing out the dangers to their pets as well.
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“Unvaccinated dogs and cats are considered to be at medium to high risk of contracting and potentially spreading the rabies virus. If you find a sick or dead animal, do not touch it.”
Authorities said that if you came in contact with this bat, either by touching it or being bitten, you are advised to contact the county’s Public Health Acute Communicable Disease Program right away and seek immediate care from a health provider.
Vector Control is the agency tasked with preventing the “spread of vector-borne diseases, injury, and discomfort to the residents of the District by controlling insects, rodents, and other vectors and eliminating causal environmental conditions through education, and integrated pest management practices,” per the county website.
This is the second bat found in Fremont this year. In March, another bat located in the area tested positive for the rabies virus, KRON4 reported.
The California Post reached out to Vector Control and Fremont PD for further comment.
