Rabid Bat Found In RSM Park: What To Know

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — A bat has tested positive for rabies in Rancho Santa Margarita.

The bat was found near the gate entrance along the Mesa Trail at O'Neill Regional Park, near El Camino Montana Road between El Lazo and Juniper lanes on Tuesday, Jan. 20, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency.

Anyone who may have had physical contact with this bat or saw someone else having contact with the bat is asked to contact the OCHCA Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents can make after-hours reports by calling 714-834-7792.

"Once a person begins showing signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is nearly always fatal," the OCHCA said in a statement. "For that reason, preventive treatment to stop the rabies virus from causing illness is given to anyone who may have been exposed to rabies."

HCA and OC Animal Care recommend the following actions to minimize the risk of rabies:

• Avoid all contact with wild animals.
• Vaccinate all cats and dogs against rabies.
• Do not sleep with open unscreened windows or doors.
• If bats are seen inside the house or other structure, close off the area and contact animal control. Once the bat(s) have been removed, close off any areas allowing entrance into the house.
• Do not leave pet food outside where it will attract wild animals.
• Immediately wash all animal bites with soap and water, being sure to flush the wound well, then contact your doctor.
• Report all animal bites to OC Animal Care.

To report a bat in your home, or an animal bite, contact OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848. Find out more at OC Animal Care Wildlife Information.