San Diego County has identified 43 rabid bats through early September 2026, more than double the previous record of 21 set last year, according to county public health officials.
The surge coincides with a national health alert the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued on Thursday, Sept. 10, warning of rising human rabies exposures across the country. Bats test positive for rabies more than any other animal in the San Diego area, Fox 5 reported, citing county data.
The county-wide risk applies to Carlsbad, where bats are active around sunset in areas near open space and waterways.
"It is imperative that people respect the space of wildlife and do not touch them for the safety of animals and people," Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, San Diego County public health officer, said in a statement reported by Patch.
County officials said increased reports from the public have led to more bats being tested and more positive results. The CDC has not identified a reason for the broader national rise in exposures, SFGATE reported.
The most recent case involved a dead bat found at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, outside the Mombasa Restaurant at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The bat was not part of the park's animal collection, and no human contact was reported, officials said.
National picture
The CDC's health advisory said the agency received 17% more rabies-related inquiries from July through August 2026 than during the same period in 2025. At least eight state health departments reported increased use of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Pharmacy data through Wednesday, Sept. 2, showed rabies vaccine use up an estimated 33% and rabies immunoglobulin use up an estimated 76% compared with the same period last year, according to the CDC. A typical course of PEP can cost between $11,000 and $14,000 per person.
What to do
Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. Treatment given before symptoms develop is highly effective, according to county officials. Symptoms can take weeks or months to show up.
County officials said rabies risk occurs when someone has direct contact with a bat, including touching, holding or being bitten by one. Anyone who touched the bat found at the Safari Park should call the county's Epidemiology Unit at 619-692-8499.
If you or a pet comes into direct contact with a bat, wash the area with soap and water and seek medical advice. All dogs in California are required to be vaccinated against rabies, and the county recommends vaccinating cats as well, according to Fox 5.
The county posts updated bat-testing data on its rabies dashboard at sandiegocounty.gov.
