A bat that was found near the entrance of Laguna Niguel Regional Park on Nov. 3 has tested positive for rabies, the county’s Health Care Agency announced Tuesday, Nov. 7.

The rabies virus can be found in an animal’s saliva and can be transmitted to people through a bite. Contamination of the eyes, mouth or an open wound by the saliva of a rabid animal can also transmit rabies, although such an occurrence is extremely rare, the Health Care Agency said.

Health officials say most cases of human rabies in the United States in recent years have been caused by bats. Bats have tiny teeth, so their bites often go unnoticed.

Initially, people who contract rabies may experience flu-like symptoms such as general weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They may also have discomfort or a prickling or itching sensation at the site of the bite, potentially advancing to symptoms of cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion and agitation.

If the disease continues to progress, the person may experience delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, and insomnia, according to the CDC.

When a person begins to show the signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is almost always fatal, the Health Care Agency said.

Officials ask that people avoid all contact with wild animals and vaccinate their pets against rabies. Do not sleep with open windows without screens. If bats are seen in the house or any structure, contact animal care officials. Wash all animal bites right away with soap and water.

Officials also urge anyone who has had contact with a bat or other wild animal to report the incident to the Health Care Agency’s epidemiology department at 714-834-8180 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or at 714-834-7792 after hours to determine the risk of rabies.

For more information, visit cdc.gov/rabies