Health & Fitness
Rabies-Infected Bat In Corona Prompts Health Department Advisory
Two boys were spotted handling the dead bat that was later sent to a lab and tested positive for rabies.
![Southern California is home to several bat species. The creatures commonly become active at dusk.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/98363/20220302/084847/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1524645038___02204609194.jpg)
CORONA, CA — Riverside County health officials are alerting parents about a possible exposure of rabies in two children who were seen in Corona handling a dead bat that tested positive for the viral disease.
A witness alerted health officials that the two boys appeared to handle the bat found in an industrial park parking lot at 301 Lincoln Avenue. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Feb. 28, according to county health officials.
The boys appeared to be 11 or 12 years of age and were riding bicycles, officials said.
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“It is important that these children be seen by a health care provider because [of] the potential for a serious health issue,” said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, public health officer for Riverside County. “We ask parents and other guardians in the area to talk to their children and see if they might be the ones who handled the bat.”
It is recommended that exposed individuals see a health care provider as soon as possible to be evaluated for rabies, county health officials said.
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Parents can call Public Health at 951-358-5107 with any questions.
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