A bat found at Fullerton College has tested positive for rabies, Orange County health officials announced Thursday.
The bat was discovered about 3:30 p.m. April 17 on stairs near a campus music building at the northeast corner of Chapman and Lemon streets, according to the OC Health Care Agency.
Officials urged anyone who may have had physical contact with the bat, or who witnessed such contact, to contact the agency’s Communicable Disease Control Division at 714-834-8180 to assess potential exposure.
Pet owners whose animals may have come into contact with the bat were advised to consult a veterinarian.
Health officials said rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites, and can be fatal once symptoms appear. Bats are a leading source of rabies exposure in the United States, and their bites may go unnoticed due to their small teeth.
Officials recommend avoiding contact with wild animals, vaccinating pets against rabies and seeking medical care immediately after any potential exposure.
Residents can report possible exposure or animal bites to the OC Health Care Agency at 714-834-8180 or contact OC Animal Care at 714-935-6848 for assistance.