A deceased bat found on the Fullerton College campus has tested positive for rabies, prompting a public health warning and raising concerns about possible exposure on campus.
According to the Orange County Health Care Agency, the bat was discovered on April 17, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m. on the outdoor stairs near the campus music building, located near Chapman Avenue and Lemon Street. Campus officials reported the animal, and it was collected for testing.
Tests later confirmed the bat was infected with rabies, a rare but serious virus that attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms begin.
The discovery has triggered an investigation into possible human or animal exposure on campus.
The bat was reportedly found in a busy area of campus, raising concern because of the possibility that students or staff may have come into contact with it before it was identified and removed.
While there have been no confirmed reports of bites or direct exposure, officials say that bat bites can sometimes go unnoticed due to their small size, making any potential contact worth checking.
The OC Health Care Agency and OC Animal Care are now asking anyone who may have touched the bat or saw someone else handle it to contact public officials immediately for risk assessment and possible preventive treatment.
“Anyone who may have had physical contact with the bat or saw someone else having contact with the bat is asked to call the OC Health Care Agency,” the agency said in a statement on April 23. “Owners of pets who may have had contact with this bat should contact their veterinarian.”
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually from bites. In rare cases, it can also spread if saliva enters open wounds or comes into contact with mucous membranes such as the eyes or mouth.
Once symptoms begin, rabies is nearly always fatal. However, officials stress that post-exposure treatment is highly effective if administered before symptoms develop. Treatment typically involves wound cleaning and a series of vaccines that prevent the virus from taking hold.
In the United States, bats remain one of the most common sources of rabies in human cases, even though overall infection rates in wildlife are low.
The Orange County Health Care Agency has emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, but they are treating the situation with caution due to the confirmed positive test and the location on a busy college campus.
Officials also advise:
- Avoid all contact with wild animals, especially bats.
- Ensure pets are current on rabies vaccinations
- Keep doors and windows screened to prevent animals from entering buildings.
- Report any bat found indoors or in public areas
- Seek immediate medical care for any animal bites or possible exposure.
- Pet owners whose animals may have had contact with the bat are encouraged to consult a veterinarian promptly.
Officials continue to monitor the situation while working with Fullerton College to ensure awareness and safety across the campus community.
“Our response aligns with standard safety guidance: members of the campus community are advised not to approach or handle animals that appear to be in distress and to contact the appropriate agency, such as animal control, for proper handling. Our team will continue to reinforce this guidance and follow established procedures in similar situations,” said FC Campus Safety Director John Krok.
If you or someone you know may have come into contact with the bat, contact the Orange County Health Care Agency Communicable Disease Control Division at (714) 834-8180 as soon as possible to ensure proper evaluation and care.
