Health inspectors have detected rabies in dead bats around Reedley and Fresno, and those bats may have been in contact with stray cats. The Fresno County Department of Public Health now wants residents and their pets to be cautious around wild and stray animals.

No known human exposures have been reported at this time, but if untreated before symptoms appear, rabies has a near 100% fatality rate. For these reasons, the county urges people to take precautionary measures.

“Public awareness and caution are crucial for community safety,” the county stated.

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Stay Away from Wild, Stray Animals. Report Strange Activity

The most common method of transmission is through the bite of an infected animal, especially through saliva. Saliva entering the eyes, nose, mouth, or open wound can lead to infection. Wash the area thoroughly and get medical attention. Bat teeth are small and may not appear to break skin. Testing the bat for rabies can help with diagnosis.

If animal control or public health officials cannot respond in a timely manner, wear leather work gloves and trap the animal in a secure, breathable container. Tape it securely.

Human-to-human transmission is rare, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

Infected animals may act strangely — daytime activity, excessive aggression, or difficulty moving, the Health Department reported. In the case of bats, though, it may not show symptoms. The only way to ensure a bat does not have rabies is through testing. Bats in unusual locations or bats that have difficulty flying may indicate infection. Even if a bat can be caught, do not approach it or touch it. Animal control or public health officials can respond to bats in a home.

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Because the virus has to reach the brain via the nervous system, it can take some time for symptoms to show. Early symptoms resemble the flu, including weakness, discomfort, fever, or headache. Discomfort, prickling, or itching may occur at the bite site.

The county urges pet owners to make sure their pets are up to date on their vaccines.

If you or your pet has had any potential contact with a bat, please call the Environmental Health Division at 559-600-3357. The city of Reedley animal control can be reached at 559-638-2122.

To report an animal bite, submit a bite report on the FCDPH website under rabies and animal control.