How to Protect Yourself and Your Pets From Rabies as Cases Rise

A record number of infected bats in Los Angeles is prompting concern from public health officials. Here is the latest on the concerning situation developing in one of the country's largest metro areas. 

Record Number of Rabid Bats Prompts Concern in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles County Department of Health has confirmed that 76 bats have tested positive for rabies this year, breaking the previous 2025 record of 69 cases. Officials with the health agency are now warning residents to take the appropriate precautions to protect themselves and animals from rabies.

Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County health officer, explained that "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." There were 24 rabid bats confirmed in August alone. What is most worrisome is that 32% of the bats submitted for testing by residents did indeed test positive for rabies.

The health department has confirmed that the county has seen a steady uptick in rabid bat observations for the last decade. For instance, 314 bats tested positive for rabies in California as a whole, compared to 229 in 2024. This represents an increase of roughly 37%.

Elsewhere in California, officials in Santa Cruz County issued a public health advisory on October 13, warning residents about the rise in exposure to rabid animals such as bats. This county in the north-central part of the state has seen nine bats test positive for rabies as of September 25. This compares to just three positive bats in all of 2025.

Rabies poses dangers to both humans and pets. "It is important to keep pets up to date on rabies vaccination to protect both animals and people. Both dogs and cats should be vaccinated," said Dr. Maris Brenn-White, veterinarian for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. She went on to explain that "Vaccinated pets provide an important second level of defense against rabies for pet owners and other people."

In addition to the rabid bats, Los Angeles County health officials recently confirmed a rabies-positive raccoon was identified in Westlake Village. This marks the first confirmed rabid raccoon in this county since 1973. The raccoon was detected in a residential backyard. A dog that may have come into contact with the animal was placed under quarantine. Fortunately, the dog was current on its rabies vaccination.

Four individuals who have been exposed to the raccoon are now receiving follow-up care. Experts believe that the raccoon may have contracted rabies from a bat.

What to Know About Rabies

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies is a viral disease that primarily impacts the central nervous system. Rabies can spread to humans and pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. The virus can also pass through infected saliva that enters the eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound.

It can be difficult to determine if you have been bitten or scratched by a bat. The tiny teeth of these animals often do not leave any identifiable marks.

While rabies deaths are rare in the U.S., there are thousands of fatalities connected to the virus around the world. Early symptoms include fever, anxiety, weakness, and headache. The virus then progresses to more symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, agitation, anxiety, confusion, and hallucinations. Once these symptoms appear, it is typically too late for treatment. Rabies is nearly always fatal.

If you believe there is any chance that you have been exposed to a rabid animal, a healthcare professional will recommend a Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment. This series of shots and immediate wound care is provided before symptoms start. Most patients receive a series of shots on days  0, 3, 7, and 14 after exposure. These injections teach the body how to fight the virus.

Experts say that you should never handle bats. Instead, it is advised to report any bats inside a home or in areas where people or pets may have come into contact with the animal.

Weather changes fast, so help your community stay prepared. Share this story with friends, family, or your group chat, and keep your forecast in the now with Weather Forecast Now.