Rabies has been detected in bats in Pasadena for the second time this year, city officials announced Monday.
The Pasadena Public Health Department received reports of infected bats found near the baseball field at Brenner Park around 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
According to city officials, the overall risk to the public remains low, with no human rabies cases reported, but the PPHD urged the community to exercise caution around bats.
Miguel Carmona, director of public health, reminded the public never to handle bats because they may be infected with rabies.
“Community members should avoid contact with and immediately report injured, ill, or dead bats,” he said.
Dr. Parveen Kaur said rabies is a serious health concern for humans and pets. The disease is life-threatening and requires timely preventive medical treatment.
“Rabies can be transmitted through a bite or even a scratch from the tooth of an infected animal, posing a risk both to humans and animals. If skin contact with a bat occurs, wash the area immediately with soap and water and seek medical care,” Kaur said.
City officials emphasized that animal bites should be reported to health care providers as soon as possible and that people should contact an emergency veterinarian if they believe their pets have been infected.
If you witness a dead or dying bat on the ground, call the Pasadena Humane Society at 626-792-7151.