Rabid Bats Hit Record High In LA County, Public Health Warns

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County has recorded 69 rabid bats so far this year, tying the annual record set last year even as the peak season continues, county public health officials said Monday.

The Department of Public Health issued the warning on World Rabies Day, urging residents to avoid touching bats or other wild animals and to report bats that appear sick, cannot fly, are active during the day or are found dead.

Rabid bats have been detected throughout the county, including in homes, businesses, schools and parks. About one-third of encounters with bats occur indoors, where officials say the risk of exposure can be greater.

The Santa Clarita Valley has accounted for 68% of the county's confirmed rabid bats this year. Public Health said most of those were Canyon Bats, suggesting rabies may be circulating more heavily among the local bat population.

August alone brought 24 confirmed cases countywide. About 32% of bats submitted for testing by residents that month tested positive for rabies, according to the county.

“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,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said.

Officials said anyone who wakes up to find a bat in a room, discovers one near a sleeping person, child or pet, or believes they may have been bitten or scratched should contact a medical provider or Public Health immediately. Bat bites can be small enough to go unnoticed.

Residents should not release a bat involved in a possible exposure because animal control may be able to collect it for rabies testing. Officials also urged pet owners to keep rabies vaccinations current and take steps to seal openings that could allow bats into homes.