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A rabid bat was found near a sidewalk in the area of Palo Verde Common in South Fremont on Tuesday, May 26
There are currently no known exposures associated with the discovery of the rabid animal
The Fremont Police Department is encouraging residents to take preventive measures to reduce risk of coming in contact with the “fatal disease”
A bat found in a residential neighborhood in the San Francisco Bay Area has tested positive for rabies, posing a risk to humans and animals.
On Tuesday, May 26, the Alameda County Vector Control Services collected a bat in the area of Palo Verde Common in South Fremont, which later tested positive for rabies, the Fremont Police Department said in a press release.
Since the bat was discovered near a “sidewalk within reachable distance of pedestrians and animals,” Alameda County Vector Control is leading an investigation into the incident and has leafleted the immediate area where the bat was found.
There are currently no known human or animal exposures associated with the incident.
Palo Verde Common area
Credit: Google
“Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that affects the brain and nervous system,” said the police department, while encouraging anyone who may have touched or been bitten by the bat to call the Alameda County Public Health Acute Communicable Disease program and immediately seek medical care from a health provider.
“It is preventable if the exposed person or animal receives a series of rabies vaccine shots as soon as possible after exposure,” the police news release continued. “Humans and pets should avoid contact with bats and other wild animals that can carry rabies, including skunks, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons.”
While sick or dead animals should always be avoided, unvaccinated dogs and cats are at especially high risk of contracting and potentially spreading the rabies virus.
According to KRON 4 News, this incident comes after another bat was found in the Glenmoor neighborhood in March that tested positive for rabies.
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Big brown bat (stock)
Credit: Getty
Beyond reporting sick or dead animals to Fremont Animal Services or the Alameda County Public Health Department, authorities are encouraging residents to take preventive measures to reduce risk of exposure to rabies.
These measures include vaccinating pets, keeping dogs confined to your property, reporting animal bites, avoiding feeding or handling wild animals, removing outdoor pet food, eliminating hiding spots by clearing trash and bat-proofing your home by sealing any openings larger than one-fourth of an inch.
“If you find a sick or dead bat in your home or yard, do not touch it,” the Fremont Police Department concluded in their news release. “It is very important to avoid any direct contact.”
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