Fremont, CA - A bat found in the Northgate area of Fremont over the weekend, has tested positive for rabies. On Sunday, October 6, 2019, Fremont Police Animal Services responded to a residence in the area of Chaucer Drive and Atteridge Court and retrieved a dead bat from a driveway. Alameda County Vector Control took possession of the bat and has since reported it tested positive for the rabies virus. To our knowledge, there was no contact between the bat and another animal or human. Additionally, we have not received any other similar reports and the last rabid bat case reported in Fremont was in 2015.
Alameda County Vector Control is the primary investigating agency and they conducted door-to-door notifications in the immediate area of where the bat was located. The following information has been provided by the County and is good information to read in regards to this current incident as well as the rabies disease in general.
Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that affects the brain and nervous system. It can be prevented if the exposed person or animal receives a series of rabies vaccine shots as soon as possible after the exposures. Anyone who touched or may have been bitten by this bat should call the Alameda County Public Health Acute Communicable Disease at 510-267-3250. In addition, you should also see a health care provider. Anyone whose pet touched this bat should call Fremont Animal Services at 510-790-6630 as well as their veterinarian.
Humans and pets should avoid contact with bats and other wild animals that may carry rabies such as bats, skunks, foxes, coyotes and raccoons. Dogs and cats not vaccinated for rabies are also considered to be at medium to high risk for carrying the virus. If an ill or dead animal is found, do not touch it. In addition, if you witness an animal which is normally nocturnal during the daylight, acting in a strange manner (i.e. a skunk roaming or staggering in the daylight, a bat hanging on a window screen or sill or a fox acting aggressive in the daytime, etc.), it should also be reported to Animal Services or the Alameda County Public Health Department.
Here are a few preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk:
- Have dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies.
- Confine dogs to property, especially puppies less than three months of age.
- Report any animal bites of humans.
- Report any close contact between dogs and cats with wild animals to Animal Services.
- Do not feed wild animals by hand. Do not come in close contact or attempt to care for a sick or injured animal.
- Do not attract skunks with food. Pet food left outside is a strong invitation to skunks and other animals.
- Eliminate piles of trash, rocks, wood, hollow logs and heavy growth of vegetation where wild animals could hide.
- Do not provide shelter for bats. Close, seal and screen all openings so there is none greater than ¼ inch size, especially at roof level. Install ¼ inch screen on attic vents and maintain in good repair.
If you find a sick or dead bat in your home or yard, it is very important, that you do not touch it. To report dead or sick wildlife, please call Fremont Animal Services at 510-790-6630 or Alameda County Vector Control at 510-567-6800. For any human exposure or public health concerns, please call the Alameda County Public Health Care Agency at 510-267-3250.
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