Bat rabies (File Photo – City of Pasadena)
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) is sounding the alarm after confirming 61 rabid bats in 2025, marking the second-highest total ever recorded in the county.
By News Desk
Only 2021 saw a higher number, with 68 rabid bats confirmed that year. While rabid bat detections can fluctuate, the increase in cases continues a decade-long upward trend, prompting local health officials to urge residents to stay vigilant.
“Bats are vital to our environment, but they can also carry rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, LA 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. Immediately report any bat found indoors, or outdoors if it appears sick, active during the day, unable to fly, or dead, to Animal Control.”
Rabies is a deadly virus that spreads primarily through saliva or tissue from an infected animal. In the case of bats, exposure can occur through a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva that enters the body through a wound, mouth, nose, or eyes. Because bat bites are often very small and go unnoticed, public health officials are particularly concerned about residents who may unknowingly come into contact with an infected bat.
“Bats are vital to our environment, but they can also carry rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear,” said Dr. Davis.
Potential exposure
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health emphasizes that if someone wakes up to find a bat in their room or discovers a bat near a sleeping person, child, or pet, they should treat it as a potential exposure. Immediate action should be taken to contact Animal Control or Public Health for guidance.
Health experts also caution that people should avoid releasing bats if they are found, as this can allow them to be safely collected and tested for rabies.
Rabid bats have been discovered across various parts of the county, from suburban areas like the San Fernando Valley to urban settings such as downtown office buildings, public parks, schools, businesses, and residential neighborhoods.
In previous years, rabid bat activity has peaked in late summer. In 2024, the month of August saw the highest level of rabid bat detections, with 23 confirmed cases. That month, approximately one-third of the bats reported by residents were found to be infected with rabies.
Public health experts stress that awareness and prevention remain the best tools for protecting both people and pets from rabies exposure. For more information on how to prevent rabies and what to do if you suspect exposure, residents are encouraged to visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s website or contact Animal Control.
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