Rabid bat found at a Fresno business sparks warnings from county

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A rabid bat was found at a Fresno business, sparking concern from the Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH).

The department says the bat was found at a business near Shaw and Feland avenues. No human exposures have been reported, but since infection is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, residents are urged to take precautions.

The FCDPH recommends residents:

• Avoid approaching bats, raccoons, or any unfamiliar wildlife
• Ensure pets are vaccinated
• Secure your home from openings where bats or other wildlife could enter
• Report any unusual animal behavior, such as seeing a bat during the day, to animal control or the local health department

The disease is usually contracted through the bite of an infected animal, but exposure can also occur if saliva from a rabid animal enters an open cut or the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Because bats’ teeth are so small, FCDPH’s Health Educator Leticia Berber says there is a good chance a scratch or bite could go unnoticed. She said that’s what happened last November, when a Fresno County resident died after unknowingly being bitten by a rapid bat in Merced County.

While the disease is usually fatal once symptoms appear, treatment is nearly 100% effective if administered promptly.

Those who suspect having had contact with a bat, or have a pet that had any potential contact with a bat, are urged to call the FCDPH Environmental Health Division at 559-600-3357 immediately. To report an animal bite, submit a bite report on the FCDPH website.