Rabid bat found at San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Health officials issue warning

Example of a rabid bat like one detected at the Safari Park in Photo courtesy of County News Center A rabid bat was revealed inside the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on May prompting county vitality agents to issue an urgent warning If you were near the park s residents elevator before a m that day and had any contact with the bat you could be at threat and should call straightaway The bat was a wild animal not part of the Safari Park s habitat exhibits Executives emphasize that park visitors who did not physically touch the bat are not at pitfall for rabies The animal was discovered at the base of the park s only society elevator located in the African Loop near the hot air balloon ride A trained Safari Park staff member safely collected the bat and the County Populace Physical condition Laboratory later established it was infected with rabies County authorities are specifically trying to contact anyone who was near the elevator and adjacent stairs before a m on May and had any physical contact with the bat If you or someone in your group may have touched the bat or know someone who might have you are strongly encouraged to contact County General Healthcare Services forthwith at - Human rabies is usually fatal without prompt post-exposure vaccine and healing explained Dr Ankita Kadakia the County s interim general medical officer Rabies transmission can happen from a bat bite or if a bat s saliva comes in contact with a cut or abrasion or with mucous membranes such as the eyes nose or mouth Although bats can carry rabies they are an pivotal part of nature in San Diego County It is pivotal to respect the space of wildlife and do not touch them So far this year three rabid bats have been proven in the county San Diego County is home to various bat species chosen of which feed on insects like mosquitoes while others feed on nectar and help pollinate plants Bats are majority commonly seen around sunset when they re working Residents are reminded to observe wildlife from a safe distance and never handle wild animals If you come into direct contact with a bat wash the area forthwith with soap and water and seek diagnostic attention Rabies is a preventable viral complaint typically spread through the bite of an infected animal Signs in humans can take weeks or even months to appear after exposure Once clues begin the syndrome is almost perpetually fatal but timely post-exposure medicine is highly effective in preventing illness For more information about bats and rabies visit the County s official website