Residents of South Fremont, California, are on alert after a bat found near Palo Verde Common tested positive for rabies. The bat was discovered on May 26 close to a sidewalk, within reach of pedestrians and animals, according to the Fremont Police Department.

Health Advisory Issued

Alameda County Vector Control confirmed the rabies diagnosis on Thursday. While there are no known human or animal exposures linked to this incident, health officials have urged the community to avoid contact with wildlife and to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect exposure to the rabies virus.

Rabies is a deadly disease affecting the brain and nervous system, but it is preventable with timely vaccination after exposure. Authorities have advised anyone who may have touched or been bitten by the bat to contact the Alameda County Public Health Acute Communicable Disease Program and seek medical care promptly.

Preventative Measures

Residents are warned to avoid handling bats and other wild animals that may carry rabies, including skunks, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons. Unvaccinated pets are at medium to high risk of contracting and spreading the virus. The police department has emphasized the importance of keeping pets vaccinated and confined to their property to reduce the risk of exposure.

Officials also recommend removing outdoor food sources that might attract wildlife and reporting any unusual animal behavior to Fremont Animal Services or the Alameda County Public Health Department. Residents are advised not to touch sick or dead animals and to report any such findings to the authorities.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Fremont Police Department for further updates on the situation.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.