Bats often evoke a mix of fascination and fear. While they are wild animals and can carry diseases, the actual risks to humans are generally low when appropriate precautions are followed. This article clarifies potential bat-related health concerns and provides guidance for safe interactions.
Understanding Rabies Risk
Rabies is a serious viral disease that can be transmitted from bats to humans. The virus, found in an infected animal’s saliva, attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal if untreated once symptoms appear. Symptoms in rabid bats can include unusual behavior such as being active during the day, being found in unusual places like inside a home or on the ground, or appearing unable to fly or easily approached.
Not all bats carry rabies; the incidence in the general bat population is extremely low, estimated at less than 1%. However, bats submitted for testing often behave atypically, leading to a higher reported infection rate of around 5% in tested samples. Any direct contact with a bat warrants careful consideration, as bites can be small and difficult to notice.
If a bite or direct contact with a bat occurs, immediate washing of the wound with soap and water is recommended, followed by prompt medical attention. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a highly effective treatment to prevent rabies in humans. For unvaccinated individuals, PEP typically involves a dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and a series of rabies vaccine injections. If a person awakens to find a bat in their room, or if a bat is found in a room with an unattended child, an intoxicated person, or someone unable to confirm they were not bitten, PEP should be considered.
Other Health Concerns
Beyond rabies, histoplasmosis is another health concern associated with bats. This respiratory disease is caused by inhaling spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which thrives in soil enriched by large accumulations of bat guano (droppings) or bird droppings, particularly in enclosed, undisturbed spaces like caves or attics. Most individuals exposed to the fungus do not develop symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they typically appear 3 to 17 days after exposure and can include fever, cough, chest pain, headache, and weakness. While generally treatable, severe cases can lead to persistent pulmonary conditions or spread to other parts of the body. Prevention primarily involves avoiding disturbance of areas with significant guano accumulation. If cleanup is necessary, professional services are advised, or individuals should wear appropriate respiratory protection and wet down the guano to prevent spore aerosolization.
Encountering Bats Safely
Knowing how to react safely when encountering a bat helps minimize potential risk. Never touch a bat with bare hands; even seemingly healthy bats can carry diseases, and their small teeth can inflict hard-to-detect bites. Healthy bats generally avoid human contact and are not aggressive unless threatened or sick.
If a bat is found flying indoors, close off the room by shutting internal doors and open windows or doors leading outside to allow the bat to exit on its own. Turning off indoor lights and turning on an outside light can encourage the bat to fly towards the exit. If the bat does not leave, or if there is any suspected human or pet contact, contact local animal control or public health authorities for assistance in safe removal and potential rabies testing.
For a grounded bat found outdoors, it is likely injured, sick, or exhausted and requires assistance. Without direct contact, gently cover the bat with a box or container, then slide a piece of cardboard underneath to contain it. Place a soft cloth inside the container for the bat to cling to, provide a shallow water dish, and keep it in a warm, quiet place. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control for guidance.
Debunking Common Myths
Many fears surrounding bats stem from common misconceptions. A widespread myth is that bats are blind; however, all bats can see, and some species even possess vision sharper than that of humans, particularly in low light. While they use echolocation for navigating and hunting in darkness, their eyesight remains functional and is also used for long-distance navigation.
Another persistent myth is that bats will fly into people’s hair and get stuck. Bats are agile flyers with excellent echolocation abilities, which allow them to detect and avoid even thin objects like human hair. If a bat flies near a person, it is typically pursuing insects that may be attracted to humans, not attempting to make contact. Bats are not “flying rodents” either; they belong to a separate order, Chiroptera, and are distinct from rodents.