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[HEALTH] · United States · 6 sources

started · updated

Part of situation: Rabies detections in California bats (2 clusters)

Irvine health officials warn of rabies exposure after positive bat test

rabies exposure wildlife health alert Orange County Dutchess County animal disease

Health officials in Irvine, California, are warning residents after a bat found in a local neighborhood tested positive for rabies. The bat was discovered on September 28 between Wedgewood and Whispering Pine.

The Orange County Health Care Agency is urging anyone who touched the bat or witnessed contact with the animal to contact the Communicable Disease Control Division immediately. Officials noted that because bat bites can be extremely small and difficult to detect, exposure may have occurred even without visible marks. Pet owners whose animals may have encountered the bat are advised to contact a veterinarian.

Orange County has recorded 30 rabid bats so far in 2026, with bats accounting for all reported animal rabies cases in the county this year.

Entities

Dutchess County Department of Health · Irvine · Orange County Health Care Agency · Rhinebeck · Rhinebeck Animal Hospital

Sources

First Suspected Rabid Raccoon Case in LA County Since 1973 Under Investigation – The Los Angeles Post [lapost.us]
Rabies positive bat found in Irvine neighborhood, health officials seek possible exposure victims [newsantaana.com]
Rabid Raccoon Found in Dutchess County, Now Officials Are Looking for the People Who Brought It In [wrrv.com]
L. A. County Investigates First Rabid Raccoon in Decades [www.coloradoboulevard.net]
Raccoon With Rabies Found in Westlake Village [mynewsla.com]
Raccoon with rabies found in Westlake Village, first LA County case since 1973 [kesq.com]