A rabid bat discovered in a Bay Area neighborhood has prompted police to issue a warning regarding potential exposure risks to people and pets. This incident occurred on May 26 in the Palo Verde Common area, where the bat was found near a sidewalk accessible to pedestrians and animals, as noted by the Fremont Police Department on social media.
The bat was collected by Alameda County Vector Control, which confirmed that it tested positive for rabies. Authorities distributed flyers in the vicinity to inform residents about the situation and the ways rabies can be transmitted.
According to the warning, rabies is a serious, often fatal disease caused by a virus that impacts the brain and nervous system. However, it is preventable through prompt vaccination in the aftermath of exposure, either for humans or animals.
Although an investigation is underway, Vector Control indicated there have been no reported human or animal contact related to this bat. Police further advised the public to steer clear of bats and other wild animals likely to be carriers of rabies, highlighting the additional risks to pets.
Authorities emphasized that unvaccinated dogs and cats face a moderate to high risk of contracting and transmitting rabies. They strongly recommended that anyone who has had contact with the bat—whether through a bite or accidental touch—reach out immediately to the county’s Public Health Acute Communicable Disease Program and seek medical attention.
This year marks the second reported case of rabies in bats found in Fremont; another instance occurred in March, with a different bat also testing positive for the virus. Local media has reported on this issue, underscoring the ongoing concerns about wildlife and public health.
For anyone noticing sick or deceased animals, it’s crucial not to approach them directly.
