A bat found near a sidewalk in South Fremont, California, has tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to issue warnings to residents. The bat was discovered on May 26 near Palo Verde Common, within reachable distance of pedestrians and animals, according to the Fremont Police Department. Alameda County Vector Control confirmed the positive rabies test on Thursday, though no known human or animal exposures have been linked to the bat.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Health officials are urging residents to avoid contact with wildlife and seek immediate medical attention if they believe they may have been exposed to the rabid bat. The Fremont Police Department emphasized that rabies is a fatal disease affecting the brain and nervous system but is preventable with prompt vaccination.
Deeper Dive & Context
Authorities have advised anyone who may have touched or been bitten by the bat to contact the Alameda County Public Health Acute Communicable Disease Program at 510-267-3250. Officials also warned residents to avoid contact with bats and other wild animals commonly associated with rabies, including skunks, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons.
Unvaccinated dogs and cats are considered at medium to high risk of contracting and spreading the rabies virus. Residents are advised not to touch sick or dead animals and to report unusual animal behavior to local authorities.