Bat Found At Santa Fe Dam Tests Positive For Rabies

IRWINDALE (CBS) — People who had contact with a bat at the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area in Irwindale earlier this month were urged to contact county health officials Friday after the rodent tested positive for rabies.

The health department says the bat was discovered on Saturday, June 9, clinging to the side of a rock column inside the snack area near the boat and bicycle rental concession.

A crowd of people, including children, were gathered around the bat for about a half hour before park officials intervened.

The bat was captured and it tested positive for rabies.

"It is very important that any individuals who touched or had contact with this bat contact our department," said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, the county's director of public health. "We can help determine if you will need to receive urgent rabies preventive treatment."

Anyone who may have come in contact with the bat was urged to call the county's Acute Communicable Disease Control office at (213) 240-7941.

Authorities also reminded people to make sure their pets have received rabies vaccinations. Eleven rabid bats have been found in the county so far this year, suggesting that the disease is increasing in the animals, authorities said. On average, about eight to 12 rabid bats are detected each year in the county.

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