Record rabid bat numbers spark Los Angeles County health warning

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Health officials in Los Angeles County have urged residents to take precautions against rabies following the confirmation of 69 rabid bats this year, matching the record set last year as peak bat season continues.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued the warning Monday on World Rabies Day, observed annually on Sept. 28.

Rabid bat detections have been rising in the county for more than ten years, according to the health department. In August alone, 24 rabid bats were identified, with 32 percent of bats submitted by local residents for testing coming back positive that month.

Of the 69 rabid bats found this year, 68 percent were in the Santa Clarita Valley, continuing a trend from the last decade. Public Health noted that most were Canyon Bats, suggesting rabies may be circulating more intensely in that specific bat population.

"Bats are an important part of our environment, but they can be infected with and spread rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear," County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement.

"If you find a bat indoors or think you may have had contact with one, contact your medical provider or Public Health right away. And remember, never touch a bat or any wild animals. Immediately report any bat found indoors, or outdoors if it appears sick, active during the day, unable to fly, or dead, to your local animal control."

Public Health officials reported that rabid bats have been detected right across Los Angeles County—including downtown Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley—in places such as schools, parks, office buildings, commercial properties, and backyards. Roughly one-third of all encounters take place indoors, where risk levels are higher.

Exposure to an infected or potentially rabid bat can occur when saliva or animal tissue enters the body through a bite or scratch, or touches a wound, mouth, nose, or eyes.

Health officials warned that because bat bites are often tiny and feel similar to a pinprick, they can easily go undetected. Anyone who wakes up with a bat in the room, or discovers one near a sleeping person, child, or pet, should treat it as a potential exposure and contact animal control or Public Health.

Authorities advised residents not to release any captured bats so they can be safely collected and submitted for testing.

Post-exposure prophylaxis—a series of timely vaccinations—can prevent rabies from developing following an exposure, Public Health said.

Residents were also advised to keep their pets up to date on rabies vaccinations, avoid handling bats or other wildlife, and notify officials about bats seen grounded, active in daylight, or unable to fly.

Public Health data shows that about 17 percent of bats encountered by people or pets in the county in recent years tested positive for rabies, with figures reaching 33 percent in late summer.

Officials also suggested residents bat-proof their properties by sealing potential entry points, fitting heavy-duty wire mesh over vents, installing chimney caps and window screens, and ensuring external doors shut firmly.