Rabid Bat Found In Contra Costa Co. Park: Health Officials

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA -- A rabid bat was found at a Contra Costa County park, county Public Health and Animal Services officials cautioned Friday in a news release. The bat was found the morning of Sunday, July 16 on a pathway at The Grove Park, 6100 Main Street in Clayton. The bat was immediately removed from the park and was being rehabilitated but died several days later, county officials said.

On Thursday, July 27, rabies test results came back positive for the bat, according to the news release.

"Although we think it is highly unlikely anyone was exposed to this bat we feel it's important to remind the community that it's never OK to touch bats," said Paul Leung, Contra Costa Public Health Communicable Disease Programs Chief.

Because rabies is spread from animals to humans mainly through bites, county officials say people who did not touch the bat that morning are not at risk of developing rabies. Further, officials said, the bat was not found in the play structure area and there was no information that the bat was touched by any children.

"Although most bats pose no risk of rabies a bat that behaves unusually, such as lying on the ground or being active during the daytime is concerning and people should not attempt to handle it but instead should contact us right away," said Capt. Jane Andreotti of Contra Costa Animal Services.

To prevent the spread of rabies, members of the community should make sure their pets are up to date with their rabies vaccines and avoid handling wildlife, according to county officials. Anyone who has touched a bat or has been bitten by wildlife should contact their healthcare provider.

Photo via City of Clayton website