In Orange, across from Choc - New Santa Ana, a bat was found infected with rabies

(Santa, ca) caught in the Wednesday, October 16, 2025, around the street from the street from ACI.The one can

(Santa Ana, CA) - A bat found on the sidewalk on the west side of the 500 block of S. Main St. in Orange has tested positive for rabies, according to the OC Health Care Agency.

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, at approximately 2:00 a.m. Dev.

Anyone who may have had physical contact with this bat, or anyone else who had contact with the bat, is asked to call the OC Health Agency's (HCA) disease control division at 834-8180 to determine their rabies risk.This hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Pet owners who may come into contact with these bats should contact their veterinarian.

The rabies virus is found in an animal's saliva and is transmitted to humans through the bite of a rabid animal.Although rare, rabies can also be transmitted by contaminating the eyes, mouth, or open wound with the saliva of a rabid animal.Most human rabies cases in the United States in recent years have resulted from rabies bats;Bats have very small teeth, and their bites may go unnoticed.

Once a person begins to show signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is almost always fatal.For this reason, preventive treatment is given to prevent the rabies virus from developing in anyone who may be at risk of rabies.Medical attention should be obtained immediately after exposure so that any injuries can be cleaned, and preventive treatment can be started.This treatment is safe and effective.

Veterinary Medicine HCA and OC recommends the following actions to reduce the risk of rabies:

- Avoid all contact with wild animals.

- Vaccinate all cats and dogs against rabies.

- Do not sleep with open windows or doors.

- If bats are found in a house or other structure, cordon off the area and contact animal control.After the bats are removed, cordon off all areas that allow access to the home.

- Do not leave household food outside where it will not attract wild animals.

Wash all biting animals immediately with soap and water, be sure to wash the wound thoroughly and contact your doctor.

- Take care of all the pets.

Potential exposure to pigeons or other wildlife should be reported to the HCA disease control division by contacting (714) 834-8180.

To report a bat or animal bite in your home, contact OC Animal Services at (714) 935-6848.Learn more about OC Wildlife.

You can find information on what to do and contact the bat by clicking here.

More information about rabies is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at CDC Rabies.

ABOUT THE OC HEALTH AUTHORITY

The OC Health Care Authority (HCA) is a regional interagency health jurisdiction and recognized health department responsible for protecting and improving the health of individuals, families and communities through partnerships and coordination of public and private sector resources.

To learn more about services and resources, visit www.yochealthinfo.com.