Rabid Bat Found Near Lake Lagunitas, Marin Rabies Alert Issued

The  has issued a rabies alert after a bat found near the main parking lot at Lake Lagunitas has tested positive for rabies.

On Labor Day, Sept. 3, a San Anselmo resident found a brown bat that was acting sick and making loud screeching sounds, according to Marin Humane Society spokesperson Carrie Harrington.

The resident used a hat to scoop the bat into a bag and brought it to  in San Rafael, Harrington said.

 staff turned the bat over to the Marin Humane Society because it wasn’t responding to being fed and wasn’t acting normal. “We immediately had it tested for rabies,” Harrington said. 

Rabies is a fatal viral illness that is spread by direct contact between an infected animal and other animals, including humans and their pets.

Anyone who had direct physical contact with a bat in this area on or about Monday, Sept. 3 should contact the Marin County Health Department immediately at 473-4163. If a pet had direct contact with a bat in this area, contact the Marin Humane Society at 883-4621, ext. 240.

Serious illness and death from a rabies exposure can be prevented by prompt administration of an anti-rabies vaccine. It is imperative that anyone who had direct contact with a rabies-infected animal be evaluated by a health care professional and receive appropriate treatment.

Harrington said this is the first rabies alert issued in Marin this year.

Here's what else is happening on Mill Valley Patch:

• Photographer Suki Hill Turns Focus to Mill Valley Market Employees
• CHP Helicopter Rescues Woman From Mount Tam Cliff
• City Council Eyes Depot Plaza Plaque to Honor Jessup
• What is a Formula Business in Mill Valley?

For local news like this wherever you go, follow us! And don't forget to sign up for our daily e-newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox.

"Like" us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for the daily Mill Valley Patch newsletter | Start a blog