A dead bat found in the parking lot of an Anaheim shopping center has tested positive for rabies, and Orange County health officials asked anyone who may have come in contact with the dangerous creature to come forward.
The bat was found Tuesday in the parking lot of the Canyon Terrace Shopping Center at 100 N. Tustin Ave., according to the OC Health Care Agency.
Anyone who had contact with the bat or may have seen someone else contact it was asked to call health officials at (714) 834-8180, or after hours at (714) 834-7792.
Rabies is transmitted through an infected animal’s saliva, generally through a bite.
But in rare cases, the virus can be transmitted if the saliva contacts a person’s eyes, mouth or an open wound.
Once a person begins showing signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is almost always fatal, health officials said.
A series of anti-rabies injections can save anyone infected if the treatment is provided soon enough after the victim is infected.
— Staff and wire reports