At a Glance
- A bat tested positive for rabies on Jan. 20 near Mesa Trail, O’Neill Regional Park.
- Health officials urge anyone who may have contacted the bat to seek medical evaluation immediately.
- Pet owners are asked to contact veterinarians if their animals may have encountered the animal.
- Why it matters: Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, so prompt action is critical.
A bat that tested positive for rabies was discovered on Jan. 20 near the gate entrance of Mesa Trail at O’Neill Regional Park in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. The animal was found around 10 a.m. off El Camino Montana Road, between El Lazo and Juniper Lane. The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) released a press statement on Jan. 23, urging the public to act quickly if they may have come into contact with the bat.
How the Alert Was Issued
The HCA’s Communicable Disease Control Division issued a public warning via a press release. Health officials requested that anyone who may have touched the bat-or witnessed someone else in contact with it-should immediately notify the division to assess their risk of exposure. Pet owners whose animals may have come into contact with the bat are urged to contact their veterinarian.
Key Actions for Residents
- If you touched the bat: Call the HCA Communicable Disease Control Division right away.
- If you saw someone else touch the bat: Report the incident to the division.
- If your pet may have been exposed: Contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
- If a bat is found in a home: Close off the room, keep people and pets away, and call animal control.
Understanding Rabies and Its Risks
Rabies is a viral disease spread through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites. While human rabies cases are rare in the U.S., the most recent cases have been linked to bat strains of the virus. Because bats have tiny teeth, bites may go unnoticed.
> “Once a person begins showing signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is nearly always fatal,” said the HCA release. “Preventative treatment should be administered immediately after exposure. This treatment is safe and effective.”
The HCA and Orange County Animal Care remind residents to avoid all contact with wild animals, keep cats and dogs up to date on rabies vaccinations, and never handle bats, including those that appear sick, injured, or dead.
Historical Context and Past Cases
The HCA’s October report noted a separate incident in which a bat tested positive for rabies. The infected animal was found near S. Main Street in Orange, California. The agency’s consistent message has been to treat all bats with caution and to report any sick or grounded bats found outdoors.
| Date | Location | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Oct | S. Main St., Orange | Bat tested positive for rabies |
| Jan. 20 | Mesa Trail, O’Neill Regional Park | Bat found, tested positive |
| Jan. 23 | Press release | Public warning issued |
Why Prompt Reporting Matters
Rabies is a disease that, once clinical signs appear, is almost always fatal. The HCA stresses that preventative post-exposure prophylaxis is highly effective when administered immediately after a potential exposure. Because bat bites can be subtle, the agency urges anyone who may have been exposed to seek medical guidance without delay.
Pet owners are also advised to keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations current. If a pet has been exposed to a bat, a veterinarian can administer the appropriate vaccine series.
Community Resources
- Orange County Health Care Agency: Contact the Communicable Disease Control Division for exposure assessment.
- Veterinarians: Seek immediate advice if a pet may have been exposed.
- Animal Control: Report bats found in homes or outdoors.
The HCA’s communication underscores the importance of staying vigilant in areas frequented by wildlife, especially during dusk and dawn when bats are most active.
Key Takeaways
- A rabid bat was found on Jan. 20 near Mesa Trail.
- Immediate reporting to HCA and veterinarians is essential.
- Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear; prompt treatment saves lives.
- Keep pets vaccinated and avoid handling bats.
By Amanda S. Bennett reported
About the Agency
The Orange County Health Care Agency is the public health department responsible for disease surveillance and community health initiatives in Orange County, California.
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Contact Information
- Orange County Health Care Agency
- Phone: (800) 123-4567
- Veterinary Clinics
- Contact local veterinarians for post-exposure care.
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