By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–San Diego County public health officials are urging anyone who may have come into contact with a rabid bat found on a sidewalk in Oceanside to come forward.
The bat, discovered on July 18 on Westport Drive between Point Sur and Marina Del Rey Avenue, later tested positive for rabies.
“Human rabies is usually fatal without prompt post-exposure vaccine and treatment,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, San Diego County’s public health officer. “Transmission can occur through a bat bite or if its saliva contacts an open wound or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.”
So far in 2025, seven rabid bats have been confirmed in the county. Health officials emphasize that while bats play an important role in the local ecosystem—feeding on mosquitoes or pollinating plants—they should never be touched or handled.
“It’s important to respect wildlife and admire them from a safe distance,” Dr. Thihalolipavan said.
Officials are urging anyone who may have had direct contact with the bat, or knows someone who might have, to call County Public Health Services at (619) 692-8499 as soon as possible.
Rabies is a preventable but deadly viral disease. Once symptoms appear—often weeks or months after exposure—it is almost always fatal. However, prompt medical treatment immediately following exposure is highly effective at preventing illness.
If contact occurs, health officials recommend thoroughly washing the affected area with soap and water and seeking medical attention right away.
