Overview

• A wild bat infected with rabies was discovered on May 7 at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park near the African Loop public elevator.
• The County Public Health Laboratory confirmed the bat’s rabies infection, marking the third rabid bat identified in San Diego County this year.
• Health officials urge anyone who had direct contact with the bat before 10:45 a.m. on May 7 to call County Public Health Services at 619-692-8499 immediately.
• Only individuals who physically touched the bat are at risk; others are not in danger of rabies exposure, according to health authorities.
• Rabies is nearly always fatal without prompt treatment, but post-exposure vaccination is highly effective if administered quickly.