Rabid bat found in residential area triggers warning from police

A rabid bat found near a Bay Area residential neighborhood has sparked a warning from the police about the dangers of exposure to humans and pets.

A bat was discovered near a sidewalk in the Palo Verde Common area “within reachable distance of pedestrians and animals,” on May 26, according to a post from the Fremont Police Department on Facebook.

The bat was collected by the Alameda County Vector Control- the lead agency in charge-who said that it tested positive for rabies, police said. 

The agency spread leaflets around the immediate area where the bat was located to let the public know about the discovery and how rabies spreads.

“Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that affects the brain and nervous system,” per the warning.

“It is preventable if the exposed person or animal receives a series of rabies vaccine shots as soon as possible 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.