Pasadena health officials found a rabid bat Tuesday and want to locate anyone who may have handled it.
The bat, which tested positive for rabies, was discovered on the ground near State Street and South Fair Oaks Avenue at about 3:30 p.m., according to the Pasadena Public Health Department. Officials are uncertain whether anyone had direct contact with it.
Rabies, which can take three to eight weeks — or longer — after contact to present an onset of disease, can be fatal, the department said in a news release. Anyone who touched the bat is urged to seek medical treatment immediately.
Although there has been only one bat that tested positive for rabies so far this year in Pasadena, there may be additional rabid bats in the area, Pasadena Public Health Director Dr. Ying-Ying Goh said in a statement. A bat found Aug. 4 at the Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale tested positive for rabies, according to the Los Angeles County Public Health Department.
On average, rabies is detected in about 35 bats — 15 to 20% of all tested — a year in Los Angeles County, Goh said.
“Because rabies is often a fatal illness and it is often not possible to determine visually if an animal has rabies, any contact with bats and other wild animals should be avoided,” Goh said in the statement. “A scratch from a tooth or bite from a rabid animal could cause rabies infection in people or other animals.
“Wash the wound area immediately with soap and water and seek medical care.”
The Pasadena Health Department urged people to not touch a dead or dying bat on the ground but contact a local animal control agency to collect the bat for rabies testing. Residents should report any potential bat bites involving people to the Pasadena Public Health Department at 626-744-6089.
If pets are affected, contact an emergency veterinarian, the department advised.
Rabid bat found in Pasadena this week – The Pasadena Star-News
