A late-season wildlife surprise near South Grand Avenue has Pasadena officials on alert after a bat found at the intersection of South Grand Avenue and Del Rosa Drive tested positive for rabies, according to Pasadena public health officials. It is the first rabid bat identified in the city this year, and there are currently no reported human rabies cases. Authorities say the overall risk to residents remains low, but any contact between people or pets and a rabid bat is considered a serious health concern.
In a city statement, residents were urged not to touch bats and to report any that are sick, injured, or dead. "Any contact by humans or pets with a rabid bat is a very serious health concern," Pasadena Health Officer Dr. Parveen Kaur said, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. The outlet reported that the animal was collected for testing and that anyone who believes they had skin contact with a bat should immediately wash the area with soap and water and contact their medical provider.
Where the Bat Was Found
The rabid bat was reported near South Grand Avenue and Del Rosa Drive. Pasadena Public Health officials reminded residents that Pasadena Humane is responsible for collecting and submitting bats for testing. Anyone who finds an injured, ill or dead bat is asked to call 626-792-7151, according to the city’s public health notice on the City of Pasadena website.
Why Bats Matter
In Los Angeles County, bats are among the animals most commonly found to carry rabies, and public health officials warn that their bites can be so small they may go unnoticed. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health notes that even minor or unrecognized contact with a bat should trigger a medical assessment because rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
If You or Your Pet Had Contact
If you think you or a family member may have had contact with a bat, health officials say to wash the affected area right away with soap and water and then call your medical provider to see if post-exposure treatment is needed. Pet owners are advised to confine any animal that may have been exposed and contact a veterinarian. Keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations remains the strongest defense, and the CDC provides guidance on post-exposure prophylaxis and testing protocols.
The Pasadena Public Health Department says it will continue to monitor the situation and work with animal control partners to investigate any potential exposures. Residents who find a bat are urged not to handle it, to keep children and pets away, and to report it to Pasadena Humane at the number above.
