A bat infected with rabies has sparked health concerns in San Francisco. The Alameda County Vector Control Services reported on Tuesday, May 26, that it collected a bat in the area of Palo Verde Common in South Fremont, which later tested positive for rabies.
Rabies Risks and Symptoms
Rabies is usually spread from animals to humans through bites and is almost always fatal once symptoms such as confusion, agitation, restlessness, and excessive salivation begin. Because the bat was discovered near a sidewalk within reachable distance of pedestrians and animals, authorities are leading an investigation into the incident. Currently, no known human or animal exposures have been linked to this case.
Prevention Measures
The police department emphasized that rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus affecting the brain and nervous system, but it is preventable if the exposed person or animal receives a series of rabies vaccine shots as soon as possible after exposure. Humans and pets should avoid contact with bats and other wild animals that can carry rabies, including skunks, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons.
This incident follows another rabid bat found in the nearby Glenmoor neighborhood in March. Officials urge residents not to touch sick or dead animals and to report them to Fremont Animal Services or the Alameda County Public Health Department. Vaccinating all dogs and cats against rabies is strongly recommended, and keeping dogs confined to property, especially those under three months old, is advised.
Protecting Homes and Pets
Residents should remove outdoor pet food that may attract skunks and other wildlife, and eliminate hiding spots by clearing trash, woodpiles, dense vegetation, and hollow logs. Bat-proofing a home involves sealing openings larger than 1/4 inch, particularly near the roof.
Understanding Rabies Transmission
Rabies is a deadly virus transmitted through saliva from infected animals like dogs, raccoons, bats, coyotes, and foxes, typically through bites or scratches. In a rare case, a Michigan grandfather contracted the disease in January 2025 after receiving a kidney transplant thought to be infected with rabies.
The virus moves along the spinal cord to the brain, causing inflammation. Early symptoms in humans include fever, headache, agitation, confusion, and vomiting. Later stages involve restlessness, hallucinations, seizures, twitching, excessive salivation, and fear of water or air blowing in the face.
Statistics and Treatment
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, with only 20 documented human survival cases worldwide. Around 5,000 animal rabies cases are reported annually in the US, and about 60,000 Americans seek care for potential exposure. Fewer than 10 Americans die from rabies each year, according to the CDC. The only way to prevent rabies after exposure is a series of four to five vaccines, administered as soon as possible. Imovax Rabies and RabAvert are used in humans in the US.
