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IRVINE, CA – A dead bat found in a bike rental store in Orange has been tested positive for rabies virus, officials said Saturday. This was the second such discovery in the last two weeks.
The latest discovery was made at the Irvine Regional Park store at 1 Irvine Park Rd., Wednesday, at approximately 1:30 pm, according to the Orange County Health Agency.
"Anyone who may have had physical contact with this bat or seen anyone else in contact with the bat was asked to call the Communicable Disease Control Division of the bat." The agency at 714-834-8180 from 8:00 to 17:00 or at 714-834-7792 after hours to determine the risk of rabies, "said in a statement the spokesman of OC Health, Jessica Good .
Pets that may have come into contact with this bat should contact their veterinarian, Good said.
Earlier in September, a bat found at the entrance of a commercial building in Anaheim had also been tested positive for rabies. This bat was found late in the afternoon of September 13, near the 1100 block of N. Euclid St.
The rabies virus is found in the saliva of an animal and is transmitted to humans by the bite of a rabid animal. Although very rare, contamination of the eyes, mouth or open wound by the saliva of a rabid animal can also transmit rabies.
Most cases of human rabies in the United States in recent years are due to strains of bat rabies. Because bats have very small teeth, their bites can go unnoticed.
Once a person starts to show signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is still almost fatal, which is why preventive treatment to prevent the rabies virus from causing the disease is administered to anyone likely to have been exposed. Doctors say that medical attention should be obtained quickly after exposure so that any wounds can be cleaned and preventive treatment can be instituted.
HCA and OC Animal Care recommend the following measures to minimize the risk of rabies:
- Avoid contact with wild animals.
- Vaccinate all cats and dogs against rabies.
- Do not sleep with unshielded windows or open doors.
- If you see bats inside the house or another structure, close the area and contact animal control. Once the bats have been removed, close all areas allowing entry to the house.
- Do not leave pet foods outside as they would attract wild animals.
- Wash all animal bites immediately with soap and water making sure to rinse the wound thoroughly and then contact your doctor.
- Report all animal bites to OC Animal Care.
- Report stray animals to OC Animal Care.
More information on rabies is available on the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/rabies.
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