A bat was found on the concrete steps just outside the 1100 building on the east side at 8 a.m on Jan. 29 making this the second incident of this type at Fullerton College.

Last year a bat was found hanging around the 400 building.

This bat has tested positive for rabies. If anyone has come into physical contact with any bats on campus, contact the Fullerton College Health office at 714-992-7093.

You can also call the Orange County Health Care Agency Epidemiology program at 714-834-8180 if you wish to be checked out by a nurse for possible rabies.

After 5 p.m. or over the weekend, the after hours number is 714-834-7792. Leave a message with your name and number and the appropriate authorities will return your call.

Rabies can be spread by the bite or scratch from an infected animal. Some bites from small animals may be unnoticeable.

In recent years the most cases of human rabies come from bat strains of rabies.

According to the Orange County Health Care Agencies,

To prevent 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. Once the bat(s) have been removed, close off any areas allowing 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 exposures to your animal control program

• Report stray animals to your animal control programs

More information about rabies is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov/rabies/.