San Diego County has identified 43 rabid bats as of mid-September, more than double last year's count and a new all-time high, county public health officials said.

The countywide warning applies to all San Diego County residents, including those in coastal communities where outdoor recreation puts people near bat habitat. Bats are most active around sunset and test positive for rabies more than any other animal in the San Diego area, according to FOX 5 San Diego.

The previous record was 21 rabid bats, set in 2025. County officials said increased reporting has led to more bats being tested and more positive results, Patch reported.

The latest case involved a dead bat found on Monday, Sept. 7, outside the Mombasa Restaurant at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The bat was not part of the park's animal collection, and no human contact was reported, according to county officials.

County Public Health Officer Sayone Thihalolipavan said the trend demands caution.

"It is imperative that people respect the space of wildlife and do not touch them for the safety of animals and people," Thihalolipavan said in a statement.

The local spike fits a national pattern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert on Thursday, Sept. 10, warning of rising human rabies exposures across the country. From July through August, the CDC received 17% more rabies-related inquiries than during the same period in 2025. At least eight state health departments reported increased use of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), administration errors, or both.

A typical course of PEP can cost between $11,000 and $14,000 per person, according to the CDC. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. Treatment given before symptoms develop is highly effective.

Symptoms can take weeks or months to surface, county officials said. Rabies risk occurs when someone has direct contact with a bat, including touching, holding or being bitten by one.

Anyone who touched the bat found at the Safari Park should call the county's Epidemiology Unit at 619-692-8499. All dogs in California are required to be vaccinated against rabies; the county recommends vaccinating cats as well.

Residents who encounter a bat should avoid handling it, wash any affected area with soap and water, and seek medical advice.