Pasadena Public Health reports first rabid bat of 2026

11 articles · Updated · Pasadena Now · May 1

The infected bat was found near South Grand Avenue and Del Rosa Drive, the city’s third annual detection in a row after none from 2019 to 2023.
Officials said no human cases have been reported and public risk remains low, but urged residents to avoid bats and seek immediate medical care after any contact.
The case follows a wider Los Angeles County surge, with a record 69 rabid bats in 2025 and 12 already identified this year; detections usually peak in late summer.

With rabies cases surging regionally, are urban development and bat migration creating a perfect storm for future outbreaks?

Is the rise in reported rabid bats from a true disease surge or simply better public awareness and detection?