CEDAR PARK, Texas — A live bat discovered in the 1100 block of Camden Cove in Cedar Park has tested positive for rabies, prompting concerns about potential human and animal exposure, according to Cedar Park police. Police believe there may have been multiple instances of direct contact with the infected bat.
A rabies infected bat was also discovered in Cedar Park in 2024.
According the CDC, bats are the most commonly reported animals to have rabies and most people who die of rabies in the U.S. were exposed to it by bats.
The CDC recommends those who are bitten or scratched by a bat to wash the wound with soap and water and get medical help immediately. If you encounter a bat in your home, contact a local animal control or health professional to arrange for its safe capture and potential rabies testing.
Bats infected with rabies often exhibit behavioral changes, such as flying around during the daytime, exhibiting increased aggression, disorientation and having difficulty flying.
In other mammals, such as dogs, symptoms can include excessive drooling, uncharacteristic aggression and difficulty swallowing. In humans, early signs of rabies may resemble flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache and anxiety, progressing to more severe symptoms like difficulty swallowing and partial paralysis.
Cedar Park police urge residents to report any contact with the bat to the Cedar Park Animal Control Unit by calling 512-260-4600, extension 0.
As a precautionary measure, the Cedar Park Police Department asks the public not to touch stray or unknown animals and to ensure their pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date. This is crucial because rabies is a fatal disease if not treated promptly after exposure.