A bat that was found at the City of Irvine Regional Park in Irvine, OC tested positive for rabies.

The rabies virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. It is extremely rare through contamination of the eye, mouth, or open wound. However, most human rabies cases in the United States in recent years have been caused by bats. They have very small teeth and their bites can go unnoticed.

Rabies is an extremely serious disease. If symptoms are already present, the story is almost always fatal. Therefore:

"Anyone who may have had physical contact with this bat or saw someone else come in contact with it is asked to call the Orange County Health Agency's Communicable Disease Control Division at (714) 834-8180 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or (714) 834-7792 after hours to determine the risk of rabies. Pet owners who may have come in contact with this bat should also contact a veterinarian," the OC urges.

The OC Health Care Agency and OC Animal Care recommend:

• avoid contact with wild animals
• vaccinate your pets against rabies
• do not leave windows or doors open while sleeping
• if bats have entered your home, notify animal control
• do not leave pet food outdoors, it may attract wildlife
• wash the bite site with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.

It is important to be cautious and take appropriate action after contact with bats and other wildlife. If you have questions or need more information, please contact the appropriate services and health care providers.

Phone numbers you may need:

1. (714) 834-8180 - report contact with a bat or other wild animal
2. (714) 935-6848 - report a bat in your home, an animal bite, or a stray animal.

Image: Todd Cravens, unsplash.com