South Fremont got an unwelcome visitor when a bat collected near Palo Verde Common tested positive for rabies, city officials said. Alameda County Vector Control picked up the animal on Tuesday, and lab results confirmed rabies on Thursday. Authorities say there are no known human or pet exposures tied to the find. County teams have leafleted the surrounding blocks and opened an investigation.
What officials say
The Fremont Police Department shared details of the discovery and response in a Fremont Police Department Facebook post, noting that Alameda County Vector Control collected the bat near a sidewalk where it was within easy reach of pedestrians and animals. According to the post, county staff distributed flyers to nearby homes, and Alameda County Vector Control is serving as the lead agency on the investigation. The department listed [email protected] as the contact for media questions.
Who to call if exposed
Alameda County Public Health advises anyone who touched the bat or believes they may have been bitten to call the county Acute Communicable Disease Program at (510) 267-3250 and to seek medical care immediately, according to Alameda County Public Health. Alameda County Vector Control, which oversees wildlife testing and coordinates rabies response in the county, can be reached at (510) 567-6800 for reporting and information. Both agencies publish guidance on testing, quarantine, and post-exposure prophylaxis for people and animals that may have been exposed.
Protecting pets
Pet owners who think their animals may have had any contact with the bat are urged to call Fremont Animal Services at (510) 790-6635 and to contact their veterinarian about quarantine or revaccination options, the city says. Officials also recommend keeping dogs confined to your property, especially puppies under three months of age, and making sure all dogs and cats are current on rabies vaccinations. Both city and county agencies maintain phone lines for residents to report sick or dead wildlife.
Why bats matter
Bats account for the majority of rabies detections in California and are a leading source of rabies exposure in people nationwide. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is highly effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fremont saw a similar issue in April with the Glenmoor rabid bat scare, which also led to door-to-door notifications. Local and federal public health resources outline how PEP is administered and when it is recommended for potential exposures.
To report dead or sick wildlife or for more information, call Fremont Animal Services at (510) 790-6635 or Alameda County Vector Control at (510) 567-6800. For concerns about possible human exposure or other public health questions, contact Alameda County Public Health at (510) 267-3250. The Fremont Police Department's Facebook announcement also listed the city's press contact at [email protected].
