Potential Rabies Exposure In Malibu: LA Co. Public Health

MALIBU, CA — The county warned Malibu residents Friday of a potential rabies exposure in the city on Saturday.

One or multiple people, potentially including children, came in contact with a bat at the Malibu Café at Calamigos Ranch on Saturday, the Los Angeles County Public Health Department said in a news release. While the department could not confirm this particular bat had rabies, bats are the most common rabies carriers in the county.

The department recommended any person who could have come in contact with the bat seek medical attention for post-exposure rabies treatment. Individuals should also report exposure to the department by calling 213-974-1234, the department said.

“At this time, we do not have any indication that this bat infected anyone with rabies. However, if untreated, rabies is nearly always fatal, so we want people to err on the side of caution,” Health Officer Muntu Davis said in a news release. “Parents need to ask their children if they noticed or touched any bats while at the facility. If anyone suspects they or their child came into contact with any bat, they should immediately be evaluated for possible post-exposure rabies treatment.”

Bats can transmit the virus through bites of contact with saliva, the department said.

Rabies can be fatal for humans if post-exposure treatment is not obtained before symptoms begin, according to the department.

"Bats have very small, sharp teeth and a bite or scratch may go unnoticed. Any contact with the animal’s head has the potential to expose a person to the bat’s teeth or saliva. According to Public Health, direct contact with a bat is considered a high-risk exposure to rabies,"

Anyone without insurance can obtain post-exposure rabies treatment for free from the department by calling 213-974-1234.