Sick Bat Raises Rabies Concerns In Orange County
SANTA ANA (CBS) — A rabid bat was found in a Laguna Niguel park this past weekend, prompting Orange County Health Care Agency officials to urge residents to call them if they have had recent contact with a bat.
A park ranger on Sunday found the rabid bat near Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Orange County Health Care Agency spokeswoman Deanne Thompson said.
No one was seen near the bat, but if anyone has come in contact with a bat near the park they were asked to call the agency at (714) 834-8180.
Rabies is nearly always fatal and medical assistance should be obtained quickly, Thompson said. She said treatment is safe and effective.
According to Thompson, most cases of rabies are found in skunks and bats.
Last year, 11 bats tested positive for rabies in the county, she said.
The bat found Sunday was the second one to test positive for rabies this year, Thompson said.
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