Two Rabid Bats Confirmed in San Mateo County Playgrounds

Two bats found on October 24 in San Mateo County, one near the Little People’s Park playground in Portola Valley and another in Half Moon Bay, tested positive for rabies, according to county health officials. No human or animal exposures have been identified, but anyone who had physical contact with the Portola Valley bat is urged to contact a medical provider immediately, as rabies is fatal once symptoms appear but preventable with prompt treatment. Rabies spreads through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites, and is not transmitted by casual contact or proximity, emphasizing the importance of not touching wild animals. San Mateo County averages about two rabid bats per year, and while encounters with rabid animals are rare, officials stress keeping pets' rabies vaccinations current and reporting sick or dead bats to authorities. The county and California Department of Public Health provide guidance on rabies prevention, noting that human infections in California are extremely rare. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation to ensure no ongoing risk to the community.