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Patch spoke with RivCo's longtime longtime director of disease control, who offered tips to stay safe and insight into mounting cases. RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Health officials warned residents in Riverside County to be more cautious than usual around wildlife after 18 bats tested positive for rabies across Riverside County so far this year — a higher number than usual, according to county officials. Officials issued an public health advisory Wednesday, warning residents that bat bites are to be taken extremely seriously, according to the Riverside University Health System. On Thursday, Patch spoke to Barbara Cole, Riverside County’s longtime director of Disease Control about the uptick in rabid bats found in the region Where in Riverside County officials finding rabid bats? The infected bats have been found in nearly every corner of the region. “We’ve seen them in different areas in the county,” Cole said. “Out in the Coachella Valley, mid-county in the Hemet–Temecula area, and we’ve had some from Riverside. It’s not limited to one specific area. We look at it by regions, and we have had some in each region.” Cole says the county is seeing more reports of potential encounters between bats and people or pets this year. “This year we’re seeing an increase in the number of bats where there’s a possible encounter,” Cole said. “Eighteen were positive. That’s why we're sending media releases. It's just to let the public know — avoid [them] if you can.” How are bats tested? Cole explained that experts typically test a bat begins when someone reports a possible encounter. “Sometimes it’s an occurrence where a person reports that the bat somehow scratched them, they had some type of contact. It might be they woke up in the morning and the bat was in their house, so they don’t know if they were bitten,” she said. In those cases, Riverside County Animal Services retrieves the bat, which is then euthanized and sent to the county’s public health lab. “The lab tests the brain — that’s where you would find it,” Cole said. Since testing depends on collecting a specimen, the actual number of infected bats could be higher. “The bat has to be available to be tested,” she explained. Are household pets at risk? Rabies in humans and domestic pets remains extremely rare in Riverside County. “We’ve not had any positive dogs or cats in the past 30 years,” Cole said. “All the animals that have tested positive for rabies are bats.” The county has also had no human cases of rabies in that same time period, she added. Still, health officials say it’s crucial for pet owners to keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations up to date and to avoid handling bats altogether. “Don’t touch or pick up a bat, particularly with bare hands,” Cole warned. “Pets can be vaccinated against rabies, and that keeps them safe.” Symptoms of rabies in dogs and cats can include the following: Increased aggression, irritability, or lethargy/unresponsiveness Mild fever Difficulty walking or lack of coordination Drooling or foaming at the mouth due to difficulty swallowing Paralysis in the throat or jaw, making it difficult to eat or drink In Riverside County, all dogs are required to be vaccinated against rabies, which should start at 4 months of age, with regular boosters throughout their life. What to do if you're exposed Although being bitten by a rabid bat — or any bat for that matter — is very rare, anyone who believes they may have been exposed should wash the affected area immediately and contact their healthcare provider. “We’ve had no human cases of rabies in the last 30 years,” Cole said. “Not only not dying, but no human cases." Still, Cole says its important to know that a bat doesn't have to bite a person to put them at risk. “It could be a scratch. If a bat is found in a home… we’d rather test and know for sure.” While a bite from a bat infected with rabies is almost always fatal, there is a treatment available for those who report the bite immediately. “There is a vaccine for people who have been exposed — a series of four vaccines administered over two weeks — because you want to prevent it,” Cole said. About 100,000 Americans receive rabies vaccinations each year after potential exposures, according to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. "If a pet contracts rabies, it can take a few days or several months for signs to appear," said Dr. Amy Raines, Riverside County Department of Animal Services Chief Veterinarian. "Never feed or touch wild animals, and make sure pets are protected when outdoors. The best prevention for pets is rabies vaccination, which helps protect pets and the people who love them." Cole emphasized that the goal isn’t to alarm residents but to keep them informed. “Our goal is not to cause any panic — just raise awareness so people can take appropriate precautions and protect themselves and their pets."
