Rabid Bat Cases Surge To Record High In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — A dead bat found at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park tested positive for rabies, becoming the 43rd rabid bat identified in San Diego County this year as health officials report a sharp increase in cases.

The 43 cases are more than double the 21 rabid bats identified last year, which had been a record high, according to county public health officials. Officials said increased reports have led to more bats being tested and more positive results.

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"We are getting more reports, leading to more bat testing and more positive rabies results," said County Public Health Officer Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan said in a statement. "It is imperative that people respect the space of wildlife and do not touch them for the safety of animals and people."

The latest bat was found dead at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 6 outside near the Mombasa Restaurant at the Safari Park. The bat was not part of the park's animal collection, and no human contact with it has been reported, officials said.

The discovery comes amid an increase in reported rabies exposures nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health alert Thursday warning of rising human rabies exposures across the country.

From July through August, the CDC received 17% more rabies-related inquiries than during the same period in 2025, including reports of incidents involving multiple people. At least eight state health departments also reported increased use of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, or preventive medical treatment given after a potential exposure.

County officials said rabies risk occurs when someone has direct contact with a bat, including touching, holding or being bitten by one. Anyone who had direct contact with the bat found at the Safari Park should call the county's Epidemiology Unit at 619-692-8499.

People who come into direct contact with a bat should wash the affected area with soap and water and seek medical advice, officials said. Rabies symptoms can take weeks or months to appear, and the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. Treatment given before symptoms develop is highly effective.

Health officials urged residents not to touch bats or other wildlife.