A rabid bat was found dead at San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
SAN DIEGO–A rabid bat was found dead Monday at San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Oasis Deli in Nairobi Village, San Diego Health and Human Services Agency said.
The bat was found June 19 at 10:25 a.m. on Monday at the deli, and was collected by a trained park employee. No human contact with the bat has been reported at this time.
The health agency is looking for anybody that may have come into contact with the bat that tested positive for rabies on June 19.
“Human rabies is usually fatal without prompt post-exposure vaccine and treatment,” said Sayone Thihalolipavan, M.D., M.P.H., County deputy public health officer. “There has been no reported human or animal contact with this bat, but it was found in an area where many park visitors pass by, and we want to make sure that no one had contact with it.”
Rabies transmission can occur from a bat bite or if a bat’s saliva comes in contact with a cut or abrasion, or with mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose or mouth.
“People should always stay away from bats and other wild animals to prevent possible exposure to rabies,” said Thihalolipavan. “If you see a bat, dead or alive, don’t touch it.”
Rabies in humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with wild, stray, and unknown domestic animals, ensuring pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations, and receiving prompt medical advice following animal bites and other significant exposures to potentially rabid animals. Rabies is not uncommon in wild bats in San Diego County.
If direct contact with a bat does occur, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and get medical advice immediately.
Anyone who came in contact with the bat can call (619) 692-8499. If you did not have direct contact with the bat, such as touching or holding the animal, you are not at risk for rabies.
