By Cassie N. Saunders
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Recently Safari Park employees found a dead bat, which later tested positive for rabies at the County Public Health Lab.
This was the 43rd rabid bat identified countywide this year, twice the number of the previous year, which was a record high of 21.
“We are getting more reports, leading to more bat testing and more positive rabies results,” said County Public Health Officer Sayone Thihalolipavan, MD, MPH. “It is imperative that people respect the space of wildlife and do not touch them for the safety of animals and people”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued put out a national health alert Thursday warning of rising human rabies exposures across the country.
“From July through August 2026, CDC received 17% more rabies-related inquiries than during the same period in 2025, including reports of mass exposure events (e.g., involving more than one person). During this time frame, CDC also received reports from at least eight state health departments of increased rabies PEP use,” PEP is rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, which is medical care that prevents someone from developing rabies after being exposed.
The most recent rabid bat was found outside near the Mombasa Restaurant at the Safari Park at 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 6. The bat had already died and was not part of the park’s animal collection. No human contact has been reported.
Rabies risk on occurs when a person has direct contact with the bat, including touching, holding or being bitten,
Anyone who had direct contact with this bat should call the County’s Epidemiology unit (619) 692-8499.
PUBLIC HEALTH REMINDERS
•Respect the space of wildlife, do not touch bats or any wildlife.
• If you have direct contact with a bat, wash the area with soap and water and seek medical advice.
• Rabies symptoms can take weeks to months to appear. Once symptoms begin, the disease is almost always fatal. Prompt treatment before symptoms start is highly effective.
BATS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Bats are an important part of our local ecosystem. Local species help control insects, including mosquitos, and some pollinate plants while feeding on nectar. They are most active around sunset, when residents are most likely to see them.
For more information about bat testing and rabies in San Diego County, visit the rabies dashboard on the County’s website.