County Advises of Rabid Bat Found at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Escondido, CA —  County health officials were trying to determine Tuesday whether anyone in the public had direct contact with a bat found over the weekend at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park that has since tested positive for rabies.

The bat was found alive at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Oasis Deli in Nairobi Village, which is an area of the park many visitors pass through, according to the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. 

"Trained park staff collected the bat without directly touching it and no human or animal contact has been reported," said Tom Christensen, a county spokesman.

The bat, which was not one of the park’s animals, was delivered to the county on Monday, where testing confirmed the animal to be positive for rabies.

People who had no direct contact with the bat, such as touching or holding the animal, are not at risk for rabies.

But because human rabies can be fatal, anyone who thinks someone in their family or group may have had contact with the bat was urged to contact the county as soon as possible by calling 619-692-8499.

"Human rabies is usually fatal without prompt post-exposure vaccine and treatment," said Wilma Wooten, county 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," Wooten said. "If you see a bat, dead or alive, don’t touch it."

Rabies is not uncommon in wild bats in San Diego County, officials said. If direct contact with a bat does occur, one should wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water, then immediately seek medical advice.