El Paso County Public Health confirmed its first two cases of rabies this year after two bats tested positive for the disease, the agency announced on social media Thursday.

One of the bats was found at Fountain Creek Regional Park, prompting officials to urge anyone with a child or pet that came into contact with a bat at the park to call El Paso County Health at 719-578-3220.

The other bat was not found in a public area.

To prevent rabies, health officials recommend:

• avoiding contact with wild animals, including touching and feeding
• vaccinating pets against rabies
• keeping pets inside at night
• immediately reporting bites or scratches from wild animals on people or pets to El Paso County Public Health and calling a doctor or veterinarian

The agency advises residents with bats in their homes to contact the county office because the bites can be difficult to detect.