Rabid Bat Found In East Bay City

FREMONT, CA — A rabid bat has been found in Fremont for the second time this year, authorities said.

The bat was found Tuesday, May 26, near a sidewalk in the area of Palo Verde Common in South Fremont, police said.

Subscribe

Despite being found within a "reachable distance" of pedestrians or animals, there are no known cases at this time of other humans or animals being exposed, the Fremont Police Department said.

On Thursday, Alameda County Vector Control confirmed the bat had rabies, police said.

A dead bat found at a home in Fremont's Glenmoor also tested positive for the virus in April. A rabid bat was also found in Southern California last week.

Rabies is a disease often associated with animals such as skunks, bats, coyotes or raccoons. It can be passed to humans or other animals through bites.

It affects the brain and nervous system, and can lead to death if the exposed are not given a series of vaccines as soon as possible.

"If you find a sick or dead animal, do not touch it," police said. "Please report the behavior to Fremont Animal Services or the Alameda County Public Health Department."

Police ask that anyone who may have touched the bat or been bitten call the Alameda County Public Health Acute Communicable Disease Program at 510-267-3250.

If a pet had contact with the bat, contact Fremont Animal Services at 510-790-6635 and a veterinarian right away, police said.

The Fremont Police Department offered the following tips on behalf of the Alameda County Public Health Department to reduce the risk of rabies exposure:

• Vaccinate all dogs and cats against rabies
• Keep dogs confined to your property, especially puppies under 3 months
• Report animal bites of humans
• Avoid feeding or handling wild animals, even if they appear sick or injured
• Remove outdoor pet food, which can attract skunks and other wildlife
• Eliminate hiding spots by clearing trash, woodpiles, dense vegetation, and hollow logs
• Bat-proof your home by sealing any openings larger than ¼ inch, especially near the roof. Use ¼ inch mesh to screen attic vents and keep them well-maintained.