County public health officials are looking for people who may have come in contact with a bat found on a sidewalk in Oceanside, on Westport Dr. between Point Sur and Marina Del Rey Ave. on July 18, 2025 that later tested positive for rabies.
If you or someone in your family or group were in the area and had direct contact with the bat, or you know of someone who may have touched the bat, you are urged to contact County Public Health Services as soon as possible at (619) 692-8499.
“Human rabies is usually fatal without prompt post-exposure vaccine and treatment,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, County public health officer. “Rabies transmission can happen from a bat bite or if a bat’s saliva comes in contact with a cut or abrasion, or with mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose or mouth. Although bats can carry rabies, they are an important part of nature in San Diego County. It is important to respect the space of wildlife and do not touch them.”
So far in 2025, the County has detected seven rabid bats in the county. There are many species of bats found in San Diego County that feed on insects such as mosquitos. Other bat species feed on nectar from plants and pollinate them in the process. You may see bats occasionally around sunset when they are most active.
It is important to appreciate wildlife from a safe distance and not touch them. If you do come in contact with a bat, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical advice immediately.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease that is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.
Symptoms of rabies in people can take weeks to months to develop after being exposed to a rabid animal. Once symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal. However, prompt post-exposure treatment following exposure to the virus will prevent the disease.
Find more information about bats and rabies on the County’s website.
