By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–San Diego County health officials are warning residents to take precautions around bats after a rise in rabies detections this year, with 14 rabies-positive bats identified countywide so far in 2026.
The increase comes as summer approaches, a period when rabies cases in bats are typically most common, according to County public health officials.
Four bats tested positive for rabies in May. Two of the infected animals were wild bats discovered at the San Diego Safari Park in Escondido. One was found on May 11 in a tree near Thorntree Terrace, while another was found on May 29 inside the Mombasa Cooker Restaurant.
A third rabid wild bat was found on May 23 in bushes near Center Street at the San Diego Zoo. Officials emphasized that none of the bats were part of animal exhibits and that visitors who did not touch a bat were not at risk of exposure.
The fourth rabid bat was discovered on May 16 at a private residence in Santee. Health officials said the bat did not expose any people to the virus.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. Health officials advise residents to avoid handling bats and other wild animals.
Anyone who has had direct contact with a bat, or believes they may have touched one, should immediately contact San Diego County Public Health Services at (619) 692-8499 for guidance and evaluation.
