The county is looking for people who may have come into contact with a bat in North County last week.
The bat, which was found July 18 on a sidewalk in Oceanside’s North Valley neighborhood, later tested positive for rabies, according to a release.
County health officials are looking for people near who may have touched the bat near Whelan Ranch Preserve, along Westport Dr. between Point Sur and Marina Del Rey Avenue.
County public health officer Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan said rabies is usually fatal without prompt post-exposure treatment and vaccination. However, treatment following exposure to the virus can prevent the disease.
“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,” Thihalolipavan said.
“Although bats can carry rabies, they are an important part of nature in San Diego County. It is important to respect the space of wildlife and do not touch them.”
This year, seven bats tested by the county have tested positive for rabies.
It can take weeks to months for symptoms of rabies to develop after exposure to a rabid animal.
