Health officials in Northern California are warning residents to stay away from wildlife after a bat found near a public walkway tested positive for rabies.
According to Fox News, the bat was discovered on May 26 near Palo Verde Common in South Fremont, the Fremont Police Department announced.
Authorities said the animal was located close to a sidewalk and was within reach of both pedestrians and pets.
After testing was completed, Alameda County Vector Control confirmed Thursday that the bat was infected with rabies.
Officials said they are continuing to investigate the situation. At this time, there are no known reports of people or animals being exposed to the infected bat.
Residents in the surrounding area have been notified of the discovery and educated about the dangers of rabies exposure.
“Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that affects the brain and nervous system,” police said in a news release.
Authorities emphasized that while the disease is extremely serious, treatment can be effective if exposure is addressed immediately.
“It is preventable if the exposed person or animal receives a series of rabies vaccine shots as soon as possible after exposure,” the release added.
Anyone who believes they may have touched the bat or been bitten has been urged to seek medical care right away and contact the Alameda County Public Health Acute Communicable Disease Program.
Officials are also reminding residents to avoid handling bats or other wild animals, even if they appear injured, sick, or harmless.
Rabies is commonly associated with several wild species, including skunks, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons.
Health officials noted that unvaccinated household pets can also be vulnerable to infection if they come into contact with rabid wildlife.
“Unvaccinated dogs and cats are considered to be at medium to high risk of contracting and potentially spreading the rabies virus,” police said.
Authorities advised residents not to touch sick or dead animals and to report unusual wildlife behavior to local animal control or public health officials.
Officials also cautioned homeowners against handling bats found inside homes, garages or yards.
As a precaution, residents are encouraged to keep pets up to date on rabies vaccinations, keep animals confined to their property, and remove outdoor food sources that could attract wildlife into residential neighborhoods.
