Public-health officials warned diners after a rabid bat landed on a family's table at a San Diego deli. The bat was taken to the Oceanside Humane Society and tested positive for rabies, becoming the 22nd rabid bat confirmed in the county this year, surpassing last year's total. Officials advise anyone who handled the animal to wash the area and contact a healthcare provider promptly, noting that post-exposure treatment is highly effective. Authorities also stressed bats' ecological role and urged residents to avoid handling wildlife.
San Diego Diners Warned After Rabid Bat Lands On Deli Table
A rabid bat landed on a family's table at a deli in San Diego this past Sunday, prompting a public-health alert to anyone who might have touched the animal.
Although no bite or scratch was reported, a diner picked up the bat with a towel and took it to the Oceanside Humane Society, where tests confirmed the animal was positive for rabies. San Diego County officials say this is the 22nd rabies-positive bat confirmed in the county so far this year, surpassing last year's total of 21 and marking the highest number recorded since at least 2021.
A rabid bat landed on a munching family's table at a San Diego deli restaurant this past Sunday. Google Maps
What Officials Are Advising
Public-health officials have urged anyone who may have handled the bat to contact their healthcare provider immediately. Standard guidance includes:
- Do not touch or approach bats or other wildlife.
- If you have direct contact with a bat, wash the exposed area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical advice right away.
- Rabies symptoms can take weeks to months to appear; once symptoms begin the disease is almost always fatal, but prompt post-exposure prophylaxis is highly effective at preventing illness.
Context and Public Health Note
California's last recorded human rabies case occurred in 2024 after a person was exposed to a rabid bat in Merced County. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports fewer than 10 human rabies deaths in the U.S. each year. San Diego County emphasized that while rabies is rare in people, the risk after potential exposure should be taken seriously and evaluated by medical professionals.
Bats are the only species to test positive for rabies this year. Getty Images
Bats and the Environment
County officials also highlighted bats' ecological importance: many local species help control insect populations such as mosquitoes, and some pollinate plants. Bats are most active around sunset; residents are asked to give wildlife space and avoid handling wild animals.
The family involved said they hope the unexpected visitor left no souvenirs. Public-health authorities continue to remind the public that avoiding direct contact with wild animals and seeking prompt medical advice after any exposure are the best protections against rabies.
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