AL Health Officials Warn Of Rabies Exposure After Multiple Bat Bites

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is warning residents about an increase in potential rabies exposures after several people were bitten by bats.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

According to state health officials, multiple patients in Baldwin County have sought treatment at local emergency rooms following bat bites.

ADPH says none of the bats involved were submitted for rabies testing, prompting the patients to undergo post-exposure treatment as a precaution.

The warning comes amid reported increases in human exposure to rabid or potentially rabid animals in Alabama and across the country.

ADPH notes that rabies is a viral infection that affects mammals and can be transmitted through bites, scratches or contact with infected saliva.

The disease is fatal if left untreated but can be prevented with prompt medical intervention.

"Recognizing a potential exposure and responding appropriately remain critical to preventing this fatal disease," Alabama's State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Dee W. Jones. "Bats require particular caution when found inside homes, college dormitories, nursing homes, or other living quarters. People who were sleeping or cannot reliably determine whether contact occurred may need evaluation for possible rabies exposure."

Jones also cautioned that a single bat found inside a residence could potentially expose multiple people.

"When bats are found in living quarters, a single bat can potentially result in multiple people needing to be evaluated," Jones said. "Whenever possible, the bat should be safely captured and secured rather than released outside."

Health officials emphasized that anyone bitten by a bat requires post-exposure treatment unless the animal tests negative for rabies.

The department also noted that rabies cannot be transmitted through contact with bat droppings, blood or urine, as the virus is present only in saliva and nervous tissue.

ADPH recommends that residents avoid handling bats or other wildlife with bare hands and teach children to immediately report bites, scratches or other contact with unfamiliar animals.

If a bat is discovered inside a home and residents are certain no person or pet has been exposed, officials recommend confining the animal to a room while leaving an exterior exit open so it can escape.

However, anyone who may have been exposed should seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

The department previously issued a health alert to medical providers in September emphasizing thorough rabies risk assessments and adherence to established treatment guidelines.