A bat infected with rabies was found in the Irvine area of Orange County last week, sparking a health emergency.
Last month (September), the Orange County Health Department urged citizens to pay attention to the fact that this was the second rabid bat to appear in Orange County alone.
Since rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals that bite humans, it is recommended not to touch any wild animals, including bats, and to check the hospital for pets.
Reporter Joo Hyung-seok.
A bat with rabies has been found in Orange County.
The Orange County Health Department announced that a bat was found at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Building in Irvine on Thursday, September 29, and the rabies test result was positive and confirmed rabies infection.
Rabies bats were found in the Kaiser Permanente Medical Building right in front of the Main Lobby.
The Orange County Health Department said this time that rabies bats were found in front of the main lobby of the most crowded hospital, and that they should never come into contact with bats.
You should not come into contact with any bats because the naked eye cannot tell the difference between bats affected by rabies and normal bats, stressed the Orange County Health Department.
If you have come into contact with a bat, especially if you have been bitten by a bat, do not hesitate and go to a nearby hospital immediately for proper examination and treatment.
If you have had direct physical contact with a bat or have seen someone else come into contact with a bat, you can contact the Orange County Department of Epidemic Control at 1-714-834-8180.
If your pet, such as a dog or cat, has come into contact with a bat, you should contact the vet immediately to ask.
In Orange County, rabid bats were also reported on the 14th (Wednesday) at the Fountain Valley Tennis Courts at 16400 Brookhurst St.
At that time, a bat was found in the car park next to Pickleball Court No.
The rabies virus is transmitted to other animals or people through the saliva of infected animals.
Therefore, the most common way for people to become infected with the rabies virus is to be bitten by an animal with rabies.
In addition, although very rarely, it can also be transmitted if the saliva of an animal infected with rabies enters the eyes, mouth, or skin wounds.
In the United States in recent years, statistics show that the animal that transmits the most rabies to humans is the bat, but bats’ teeth are so small that even a human bite is not aware of the bite.
Therefore, it is noted that the infection of rabies by bats is very dangerous.
If you are infected with rabies from bats, you will know it by the onset of symptoms.
The Orange County Health Department has issued several precautions, the highest priority of which is to avoid contact with bats and any other wildlife.
Wild animals should not come into contact with any type of animal, as it is not known to which animal the bat carrying rabies may have transmitted the virus.
Pets such as cats and dogs should be vaccinated against rabies.
You should never leave windows or doors open without screens in your home, and you should prevent the possibility of wild animals entering your home.
If bats are found in your home, close off the area where the bats are and notify the health authorities or health authorities immediately.
You should never leave pet food outside your home, as wild animals can come home to eat it.
If bitten by a wild animal, wash immediately with soap and water so that the wound can be disinfected, and then contact your doctor or a nearby hospital to discuss.
