A chilling public health warning has been issued for visitors to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park after a wild bat, discovered deceased near the popular Oasis on the Rocks restaurant on July 11, tested positive for rabies. County health officials are urgently appealing for anyone who may have had direct physical contact with the bat to come forward immediately for evaluation, emphasizing that rabies is a nearly 100% fatal viral disease if not treated promptly before symptoms manifest. While the bat was not part of the zoo’s collection and no human contact has been officially reported, this incident underscores the significant risk, as bats are primary carriers of rabies in the United States, accounting for most human cases. This marks the 19th rabid bat identified in San Diego County this year, surpassing the total from the previous year, serving as a stark reminder from wildlife experts to never handle bats, even those that appear unwell or are found in public areas, and to instead maintain distance and alert authorities.
Adapted from: Travel News Today on Fox News
