Two rabid bats found in San Mateo County last week

(KRON) — Two bats found last week, one in Half Moon Bay and one in Portola Valley, tested positive for rabies, the San Mateo County Health Department said Thursday.

Health officials said the case of the rabid bat located in Half Moon Bay on Oct. 24 has been closed as no one remains at risk. However, anyone who may have had contact with the bat found that same day near the Little People’s Park playground at Portola Valley Town Center should immediately contact a medical provider.

“Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease caused by a virus in the saliva of infected animals,” SMC Health wrote in an advisory. “Humans and other animals, including pets, can get rabies if they are bitten by a rabid animal.”

County health officials said they are unaware of any exposed persons or animals. Those who never had contact with the bat are not at risk.

“Rabies is not spread by being near a rabid animal, petting it, or through contact with the blood, urine or stool of a rabid animal,” the health department said.

Bats appearing sick, injured or dead should be reported to the Peninsula Humane Society at 650-340-7022.