What Happened

Someone found a dead bat at a residence on Logan Drive in Fremont's Glenmoor neighborhood on Sunday, March 30. Alameda County Vector Control picked it up as part of standard protocol.

On April 1, it tested positive for rabies. The Alameda County Health Department confirmed the result and notified the City of Fremont on Wednesday, April 2, according to NBC Bay Area.

Fremont Police issued a public notice Thursday, April 3.

Who's In Charge and What They're Doing

Alameda County Vector Control is the lead agency. They are conducting door-to-door notifications in the Glenmoor neighborhood, per KTVU.

Valerie Ahlgren of Alameda County Vector Control told NBC Bay Area: "We recommend that our residents don't touch or handle wildlife, to keep pets vaccinated, to call us if they see an animal that is having difficulty walking, flying, appears ill, so we can test it for rabies."

As of the public notice, county health officials report zero confirmed human or animal exposures. No additional rabies cases have been reported in the area.

Rabies has a narrow window for treatment. If you were exposed and don't know it yet, time matters.

What You Need to Know About Rabies

Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear. The only way to survive exposure is a post-exposure vaccination series administered before symptoms begin, according to the CDC as cited by NBC Bay Area.

Alameda County is home to eight species of bats — every single one capable of carrying and spreading rabies. Unvaccinated cats and dogs are rated medium to high risk for contracting and spreading the virus, according to KTVU. Puppies under three months old are especially vulnerable.

What To Do Right Now

If you think you may have touched or been bitten by this bat — or any bat in that area — call the Alameda County Public Health Acute Communicable Disease Program at 510-267-3250 immediately and get to a doctor.

If your pet had any contact with a bat in the Glenmoor area, call Fremont Animal Services at 510-790-6635 and contact your veterinarian right away.

Prevention Basics the County Is Pushing

Alameda County Vector Control is urging residents to take these steps, per KTVU:

• Vaccinate your dogs and cats against rabies — this is essential if you live in an area with wildlife
• Keep dogs on your property, especially puppies under 3 months
• Remove outdoor pet food that attracts skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife
• Clear woodpiles, dense vegetation, and hollow logs from your property
• Bat-proof your home — seal gaps, vents, and entry points
• If you see a sick or dead animal, do NOT touch it — report it to Fremont Animal Services

Wild animals that commonly carry rabies in the region include skunks, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons, according to KTVU.