Rabid bat cases are rising in this Southern California county

Health officials in one Southern California county are warning residents about an increase in rabid bats and urging them to take precautions for themselves and their pets.

So far this year, 18 rabid bats have been reported in Riverside County, up from 15 confirmed by the Public Health lab in 2024, prompting officials’ concerns about residents contracting rabies.

“Rabies is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms appear,” Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky said. “While rabies is extremely rare in humans in California, exposure through bat bites is a serious concern. Bites from a bat can be painless and may not leave marks, so it’s important to seek immediate care if you awaken to a bat in your home.”

To reduce the risk of rabies infection, individuals should:

• Never pick up or touch a bat
• Vaccinate pets against rabies
• Report possible exposures to animal control or Public Health
• Safety-proof homes by sealing gaps and openings that could allow bats inside
• Avoid contact with bats and other wild animals (skunks, raccoons, foxes and coyotes)

Officials said that anyone who has interacted with a bat should wash the affected area immediately with soap and water and seek prompt medical attention, including an assessment for post-exposure vaccination.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 100,000 Americans receive rabies vaccinations each year following potential exposures.