Two Corona-area children possibly exposed to rabies after handling bat that tested positive

Riverside County Public Health officials are alerting parents about a possible exposure of rabies after two children in the Corona area were seen handling a bat that tested positive for the virus, according to a press release.

An adult who had contact with the bat told health officials there were two children, around the ages of 11 or 12, who appeared to handle the bat around 4 p.m. Monday in the parking lot of an industrial park at 301 Lincoln Ave. in Corona. The two children were riding bicycles, according to public health.

“It is important that these children be seen by a health care provider because the potential for a serious health issue,” said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Geoffrey Leung in a statement. “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.”

Testing was done by the Riverside County Public Health lab.

Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals, often through a bite, according to the Mayo Clinic. Animals most likely to transmit rabies in the United States include bats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks.

Once a person begins showing signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is almost always fatal. Initial symptoms may be similar to the flu, but later ones may include agitation, anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, hallucinations and partial paralysis.

It is recommended that exposed individuals see a health care provider as soon as possible to be evaluated for rabies post-exposure.

Parents can call Riverside County Public Health at 951-358-5107 for any questions.

Ema Sasic covers health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Riverside County health reports possible rabies exposure from bat