Rabid Bat Found at San Diego Zoo

SAN DIEGO - A live bat at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park has tested positive for rabies.

The bat was the fifth in San Diego County this year to yield a positive rabies result; but last year, two were found in the same location near the Safari Park's Oasis Deli in Nairobi Village. The most recently recovered bat's results came back Monday, but the mammal was discovered on Saturday afternoon. It was captured by trained park staff members, according to the San Diego Health and Human Service Agency.

Although there had not been any human or animal contact with the rabid bat as of Monday evening, county officials were encouraging anyone who may have encountered it to speak up.

" ... County health officials would like to know if anyone who was in the park on April 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. directly handled the rabid bat," said a County News Center article, which later cited the fatal repercussions of rabies exposure when an individual is not promptly treated. " ... If you did not have direct contact with the bat, such as touching or holding the animal, you are not at risk for rabies."

• Anyone who may have encountered the bat is asked to call County Health officials as soon as possible at 619-692-8499.

County Public Health Officer Wilma Wooten noted in a public statement that the bat was in an area that many park visitors frequent.

"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," said a County News Center report. " ... If direct contact with a bat does occur, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and get medical advice immediately."

More information, including a brochure on rabies, can be found on the HHSA Rabies website.

Photo via Jacopo Werther (Wikimedia Commons)