Bat Found in the City of Orange Tests Positive for Rabies

Health officials have issued a public warning after a bat discovered on the sidewalk along South Main Street in the City of Orange tested positive for rabies. The animal was found on October 16, prompting immediate testing and concern from local authorities. The Orange County Health Care Agency urged anyone who might have come into contact with the bat—or whose pets may have interacted with it—to contact medical officials for evaluation and possible preventive treatment.

Experts explained that rabies is transmitted through an infected animal’s saliva, typically via a bite, but contact with mucous membranes or open wounds can also spread the virus. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, which makes immediate treatment critical. Officials are reminding residents to keep pets’ vaccinations current, avoid contact with wildlife, and report any animal bites or unusual animal behavior to local authorities.

The type of bat involved has not yet been identified, though Orange County is home to several native species, including Mexican Free-Tailed and Big Brown Bats. City officials say the incident is a reminder that even in urban areas like Orange, wildlife can carry diseases, and caution remains key to public safety.

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