11 months ago
Los Angeles County Issues Rabies Warning Amidst Record Bat Cases
Imagine tiny flying animals called bats that help our environment by eating bugs.
But sometimes, these bats can get sick with something called rabies.
Rabies is a very serious sickness that can spread to people and pets.
Health officials in Los Angeles have found a lot of bats with rabies this year, almost as many as the most they've ever seen!
They found these sick bats in parks, backyards, and even inside buildings.
Health experts are telling everyone to be super careful and never touch a bat or any wild animal.
If you see a bat acting strange, like being awake in the daytime or not being able to fly, you should tell animal control right away.
They also recommend that if you think you or your pet might have touched a bat, you should talk to a doctor or call the health department immediately, because rabies is dangerous if it makes you sick.
Los Angeles County has reported 61 bats testing positive for rabies in 2025, approaching the record set in 2021.
Health officials are urging residents to be vigilant and avoid contact with bats and other wild animals.
Rabid bats have been found in various locations across the county, including suburban areas, downtown, parks, and backyards.
A significant spike in rabid bats was observed in August, with 23 confirmed cases.
The public is advised to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect any contact with a bat, especially if found near sleeping individuals, children, or pets.
- Who
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health officials and residents
- What
- Issuing a warning and urging vigilance due to a record number of bats testing positive for rabies.
- Where
- Los Angeles County, including San Fernando Valley, downtown LA, and Santa Clarita Valley.
- When
- So far in 2025, with a spike noted in August.
- Why
- To prevent rabies exposure, as bats are a common carrier of the disease, and the number of positive cases is nearing a record high.
Public Health Officials
General Public
Contact with Bats
Public Health Officials
Advise immediate medical consultation for anyone who may have had contact with a bat, emphasizing never to touch bats or wild animals.
General Public
May not recognize small bat bites or scratches, leading to potential underreporting of exposures.
Bat Behavior
Public Health Officials
Instruct to report bats that are indoors, outdoors and appear sick, active during the day, unable to fly, or dead.
General Public
May encounter bats in unexpected situations, such as near sleeping individuals, children, or pets, requiring prompt action.
Key facts
- Rabid Bats Found in 2025
- 61
- Record Year for Rabid Bats
- 2021 (68 cases)
- August 2025 Rabid Bats
- 23
- Percentage of Bats Testing Positive
- 14% (after contact with people or pets)
- Peak Season for Rabid Bats
- Late summer months
- Affected Areas
- San Fernando Valley, downtown LA, parks, schools, businesses, residences, Santa Clarita Valley
Quotes
Muntu Davis
Los Angeles County Health Officer
“Anyone who may have had contact with a bat should immediately speak with their medical provider or contact Public Health. Never touch a bat or any wild animals.”
wionews.com
“Bats are vital to our environment, but they can also carry rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.”
wionews.com
