Wild bat found in San Diego Zoo Safari Park tests positive for rabies

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Recent visitors of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park may have come in contact with a wild bat that later tested positive for rabies, according to county health officials Saturday.

The bat was found in the Escondido zoo on Monday, Sept. 23 around 2:15 p.m. The county notes it was not one of the bats residing in a habitat at the Safari Park.

According to the county, a Safari Park team member saw the bat fall from a roof and land in an employee section of the Africa Tram loading area, which is not accessible by the public. It was collected safely and transported to a local rehabilitation facility where it later died.

Subsequent testing during necropsy confirmed the bat was infected with rabies, the county said.

County officials are urging anyone in the area of the Africa Tram loading area around the time when the bat was found that came in direct contact with it to contact Public Health Services at 619-692-8499 as soon as possible.

Symptoms of a rabies infection in a human can take weeks to months to develop after contact and are often fatal if left untreated, according to health officials. Those who do not have direct contact with a nearby rabid animal are not at risk.

“Human rabies is usually fatal without prompt post-exposure vaccine and treatment,” said Dr. Ankita Kadakia, interim public health officer for San Diego County. “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.”

Throughout 2024 thus far, five rabid bats have been detected in the San Diego region, according to the county.

While bats play a critical part in the ecosystem, it is important to appreciate the wildlife from a safe distance and avoid touching them.

People who do come in contact with a bat directly should wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water before getting immediate medical attention, county health officials say.

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