Public Health Alert: Rabid Bat Found at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Urgent Alert: San Diego County health officials are seeking individuals who may have had contact with a rabid bat at the San Diego Zoo safari Park.
The Incident
A wild bat, not part of the zoo’s animal collection, tested positive for rabies after being found at the base of the public elevator in the African Loop last Wednesday. According to San Diego County officials, visitors who did not have physical contact with the bat are not at risk.
A trained staff member safely collected the animal, and subsequent testing at a county health lab confirmed the presence of the rabies virus.
rabies: A Serious Threat
rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is indeed almost always fatal if left untreated. The virus is typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animals,often through a bite or scratch.
Did you know? Bats are the most common source of rabies transmission to humans in the United States.
Dr. Ankita Kadakia, the county’s interim public health officer, emphasized the severity of the situation:
Human rabies is usually fatal without prompt post-exposure vaccine and treatment. Rabies transmission can happen 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.Dr. Ankita Kadakia, Interim Public Health Officer, San Diego County
This is the third rabid bat detected in San Diego County this year.
What to Do If You Had Contact
If you had direct contact with a bat, health officials advise the following:
- Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Seek medical advice immediately.
Anyone who touched the bat, or knows someone who may have, is urged to contact County Public Health services immediately at (619) 692-8499.
Important Considerations
While bats can carry rabies, they play a vital role in the ecosystem. Dr. Kadakia noted:
Although bats can carry rabies, they are an important part of nature in San Diego County. It is important to respect the space of wildlife and do not touch them.Dr. Ankita Kadakia, Interim Public Health Officer, San Diego County
Pro Tip: never handle wild animals, especially bats. If you find a bat in your home, contact animal control or a wildlife professional.
Rabies symptoms in humans can take weeks to months to appear after exposure. Once symptoms develop, the disease is almost always fatal. However, prompt post-exposure treatment is highly effective in preventing the onset of rabies.
