Pasadena health officials urged the public to stay away from bats on Thursday after one tested positive for rabies in the city.
The infected bat was reported near South Grand Avenue and Del Rosa Drive, according to the Pasadena Public Health Department. It’s the first rabid bat to be identified in the city this year, Pasadena officials say, and no human rabies cases have been reported.
Although the city says the public’s risk is low, it reminded people of the following tips to reduce potential rabies exposure:
Do not touch or handle bats with your bare hands
Report injured, ill or dead bats to Pasadena Humane at 626-792-7151
“Any contact by humans or pets with a rabid bat is a very serious health concern,” Pasadena Health Officer Dr. Parveen Kaur said in a news release.
Rabies is a life-threatening disease that can be transmitted through a rabid animal’s bite or their saliva. After skin contact with a bat, health officials say to quickly wash the area and get in contact with your medical provider.