(Santa Ana) -- Two bats found recently in Irvine have tested positive for rabies, said Dr. Mark Horton, Orange County Health Officer. In California, bats are the animals most commonly found to be rabid. "While rabid bats are identified every year in Orange County, this new find is a reminder to all Orange County residents to avoid any contact with wild animals," said Horton.

Rabies is transmitted by the bite of an infected animal or, rarely, from a scratch if the animal’s saliva gets into the scratch. Most cases of human rabies contracted recently in the United States have resulted from bat strains of rabies. Bats have very small teeth and their bites often go unnoticed.

Anyone who has had contact with a bat should call the Health Care Agency's Communicable Disease Control & Epidemiology at (714) 834-8180 to be evaluated for risk of rabies. If exposure to rabies could have occurred, there is a safe and effective treatment to prevent rabies from developing. Modern treatment for rabies uses a vaccine which is given in the arm just like other vaccines.

Horton recommends the following for prevention of rabies:

• Avoid all contact with wild animals.
• Vaccinate all cats and dogs against rabies.
• Do not sleep with open, unscreened windows or doors.
• If bats are seen inside the house or other structure, close off the area and contact animal control. After removing the bat(s), close off any areas that permit entrance into the house.
• Do not leave pet food outside where it will attract wild animals.
• Immediately wash all animal bites with soap and water, being sure to flush the wound well, then contact your doctor.
• Report all animal bites to your local animal control or to the County's Animal Care Services Rabies Control at (714) 935-6106.
• Obey leash laws.

Report stray animals to your local animal control or to the County's Animal Care Services at (714) 935-6848.