Home / Health / Berkeley Rabies Alert: Bats Test Positive
Berkeley Rabies Alert: Bats Test Positive
9 Sep
Summary
- Five rabies-positive bats found in Berkeley locations.
- This marks an increase from previous years' findings.
- Residents advised to avoid touching bats and vaccinate pets.
Health officials in Berkeley, California, have alerted residents and medical professionals to a concerning rise in rabies cases among local bats. Laboratory tests confirmed five bats positive for rabies, discovered in both West and North Berkeley residential and commercial areas. This detection represents a notable escalation from the typical zero to two rabies-positive bats identified per year between 2020 and 2025.
While no human rabies cases have been documented in Berkeley, Alameda County health officials reported a separate incident involving a rabies-positive cat in Pleasanton on June 29. Rabies, a severe viral infection affecting the nervous system, is almost invariably fatal once symptoms appear, but is highly preventable with prompt treatment. Residents are advised to avoid handling bats, maintain current pet vaccinations, and seal entry points to homes. In case of a bite or scratch from any mammal, wounds should be washed immediately with soap and water for 15 minutes, followed by seeking medical attention.
