Rabid Bat Surprises Diners at Southern California Eatery

WHO:

Los Angeles Times - Health authorities in San Diego County

Patch - A family dining at the Yellow Deli Restaurant

WHAT:

Los Angeles Times - A bat that tested positive for rabies fell onto a table during a family's lunch.

Los Angeles Times - The bat was collected by a patron using a towel and taken to the Humane Society in Oceanside.

Los Angeles Times - 22 bats have tested positive for rabies in San Diego County in 2026.

Los Angeles Times - 21 bats tested positive for rabies in San Diego County in 2025.

Los Angeles Times - 31 cases of bats testing positive for rabies have been reported in L.A. County in 2026.

WHERE:

Los Angeles Times - Yellow Deli in Vista, San Diego County, California

Patch - San Diego Humane Society in Oceanside, California

WHEN:

Patch - The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on a Sunday.

WHY:

Los Angeles Times - Health authorities warned individuals who may have come into contact with the bat to contact their healthcare provider due to rabies risk.

Los Angeles Times - Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, and treatment is highly effective if received after potential exposure.

HOW:

Los Angeles Times - The bat was transferred to the San Diego County Public Health Laboratory for testing after being collected.

(UPDATED July 24, 2026 05:54 UTC)

In a concerning incident at the Yellow Deli Restaurant in Vista, San Diego County, a bat that tested positive for rabies fell onto a family's table during lunch. A patron quickly collected the bat with a towel and took it to the Humane Society in Oceanside, where it was transferred to the San Diego County Public Health Laboratory for testing. Health authorities are urging anyone who may have come into contact with the bat to reach out to their healthcare provider, as rabies can be fatal once symptoms appear, though treatment is effective if administered promptly after exposure.