After a bat found in an Irvine shopping center tested positive for rabies, officials are warning shoppers who may have encountered the bat to determine their risk for the virus.
The bat was found in the parking lot behind Zion Market in Northwood Town Center in the 4800 block of Irvine Boulevard, the Orange County Health Care Agency said in a statement Friday.
Officials said the bat was found Tuesday, and tested positive for rabies.
Rabies can be transmitted to people if they are bit by a rabid animal, as the virus is found in the saliva of animals that have rabies, according to the OC Health Care Agency. Rarely, the virus can be transmitted if the animal’s saliva contaminates a person’s eyes, mouth, or an open wound.
"Anyone who may have had physical contact with this bat or saw someone else having contact with the bat" was asked to call OC Health Care Agency at 714-834-8180, "to determine the risk for rabies," the statement read.
