Fremont Bat Tests Positive for Fatal Rabies

A bat found in a residential neighborhood in Fremont, California, has tested positive for rabies, triggering a public health alert. The bat was collected on Tuesday, May 26, in the Palo Verde Common area, an accessible location for pedestrians and animals.

Local health officials are investigating and have distributed informational leaflets in the vicinity. As of the report, there have been no confirmed cases of human or animal exposure to the virus. Rabies is a fatal neurological disease, but it is preventable with timely post-exposure vaccinations.

Authorities are advising residents to avoid contact with bats and other wildlife like skunks, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons. Preventive measures include vaccinating pets, securing yards, and sealing potential entry points in homes. Residents are instructed not to touch any sick or dead bats found on their property and to report such findings to animal services.