Reminder To Avoid Contact With Bats After One Identified With Rabies in Pasadena

PASADENA, Calif.- The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) has received a report of a bat infected with rabies near the intersection of S. Grand Ave. and Del Rosa Dr. Human rabies cases have not been reported, and the overall risk to the public remains low. PPHD urges the public to exercise caution around bats.

"This is the first bat to test positive for rabies in Pasadena this year," said Manuel Carmona, Director of Public Health. "Community members should avoid contact with and immediately report injured, ill, or dead bats."

To help ensure public safety and reduce potential rabies exposure:

• Never handle bats with bare hands
• Report any injured, ill, or dead bats to local animal control or public health authorities

"Any contact by humans or pets with a rabid bat is a very serious health concern," said Dr. Parveen Kaur, Health Officer. "Rabies is a life-threatening disease that requires timely preventive medical treatment. To reduce risk, all contact with bats and other wild animals should be strictly avoided. Rabies can be transmitted through a bite or even a scratch from the tooth of an infected animal, posing a risk to both humans and animals. If skin contact with a bat occurs, wash the area immediately with soap and water and seek medical care."

If you see a dead or dying bat on the ground, do not handle it. Contact Pasadena Humane to collect the bat by calling (626) 792-7151. Animal bites should be discussed with your medical provider as soon as possible. If pets are affected, contact an emergency veterinarian. For more information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Rabies website.