A third case of rabies in a bat has been reported in Pasadena, officials announced Friday.
The infected bat was located Sunday on East Green Street between South Marengo and South Euclid avenues, according to the Pasadena Public Health Department.
No human rabies cases have been reported this year, and the overall risk to the public remains low, health officials said. But officials advised the public to exercise caution around bats, noting that several activities and events took place last weekend in the Civic Center District, where the bat was located.
PPHD officials advised people who attended events or were in the area from Oct. 9-11 to consider whether they had direct contact with the bat, noting that being in the area or attending an event does not necessarily constitute exposure to rabies.
“Anyone who had contact with a bat should speak with their medical provider as soon as possible,” Director of Public Health Manuel Carmona said.
He said pet owners who believe their pets may have had contact with the bat should consider contacting an emergency veterinarian.
Health officials said people should never handle bats with bare hands, and they should report any injured, ill, or dead bats to local animal control or public health authorities.
“Any contact by humans or pets with a rabid bat is a very serious health concern,” Health Officer Dr. Parveen Kaur said.
He said rabies is a life-threatening disease that requires timely preventive medical treatment, adding that rabies can be transmitted through a bite or even a scratch from the tooth of an infected animal.
If skin contact with a bat occurs, Kaur advises that the area should be immediately washed with soap and water and that individuals should seek medical care.
Anyone who witnesses a dead or dying bat on the ground was encouraged to not handle it and to contact the Pasadena Humane Society at 626-792-7151. For additional information on rabies, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Rabies website or contact the Rent Stabilization Department at RentStablization@cityofpasadena.net. The department can also be reached at 626-744-7999.