San Mateo County health officials urge medical checkups after rabies confirmed in Portola Valley bat
San Mateo County, California – Health officials in San Mateo County have determined that a bat found at Portola Valley Town Center had rabies. On October 24, 2025, the animal was found close to the Little People’s Park playground. County health officials advise anyone who may have come into close touch with the bat to see a doctor right away to see out if they require preventive medication. People who didn’t contact the bat are safe, and thus far, no people or animals have been exposed to it.
Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always deadly once symptoms appear, although it can be avoided by getting vaccinated after being exposed. Infected animals’ saliva distributes the virus, usually through bites or when saliva gets into an open wound or mucous membrane like the eyes or mouth. Being near a rabid animal, touching its fur, or coming into contact with its blood or feces does not spread the disease.
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The California Department of Public Health says that about 200 animals, predominantly bats, test positive for rabies in the state every year. There have only been 17 instances of this disease in humans in California since 1980. Every year, roughly 100,000 people in the United States need preventive care after being exposed to the virus.
When an animal tests positive for rabies, San Mateo County Health looks into probable exposures and gets in touch with anyone who may have been affected. If exposure can’t be ruled out, public advisories are sent out to make sure everyone knows. In the last ten years, the county has had an average of two rabid bats each year.
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The last case that was confirmed happened in 2023. Two bats tested positive this year, one in Portola Valley and the other in Half Moon Bay. However, officials have established that no one is still at risk from either event.
“Encounters with rabid animals in San Mateo County are very rare, but we take every case seriously,” said Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, San Mateo County health officer. “Never touch a bat or other wild animal, even if it looks sick or injured, and keep your pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date.”
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Residents who may have touched the bat on October 24 at Little People’s Park are advised to contact their healthcare provider. Sick, injured, or dead bats should be reported to the Peninsula Humane Society at 650-340-7022. Additional information on rabies prevention can be found through the California Department of Public Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
