"Rabies is a fatal disease... but is preventable if the exposed person or animal receives a series of rabies vaccine shots promptly after exposure. "
Discovery
On May 26, a bat was discovered near a sidewalk in the Palo Verde Common area of Fremont, California. The animal was within reachable distance of pedestrians and other animals. The bat was collected by Alameda County Vector Control and subsequently tested positive for rabies, according to the Fremont Police Department.
Warnings and Advice
Authorities distributed leaflets in the immediate area to inform the public about the discovery and the methods of rabies transmission. The police stressed that rabies is a fatal disease affecting the brain and nervous system, but emphasized that it is preventable if the exposed person or animal receives a series of rabies vaccine shots promptly after exposure.
They also noted that unvaccinated dogs and cats are considered at medium to high risk of contracting and spreading the virus. The public was urged to avoid contact with bats and other wild animals, and to not touch sick or dead animals.
Exposure Reporting
Anyone who came into contact with the bat—by touching or being bitten—should contact Alameda County's Public Health Acute Communicable Disease Program and seek immediate medical care.
Background
This is the second rabid bat found in Fremont in 2025. A previous bat also tested positive in March, as reported by KRON4.