Rabies is a severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. The virus typically spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly via a bite or scratch.
How Rabies Affects Bats
Rabies is nearly always fatal to bats once they begin to show symptoms. Infected bats may exhibit disorientation, appearing confused or flying erratically. Some might be found active during daylight hours, which is unusual for their typically nocturnal behavior, or in places where bats are not normally seen, such as on the ground or inside a home.
The neurological impact can also manifest as paralysis, affecting their ability to fly or move effectively. A rabid bat might be unable to take flight from the ground, making it appear easily approachable. Other signs include convulsions, tremors, or an abnormal staring expression.
Prevalence of Rabies in Bat Populations
Despite common fears, rabies is not widespread among bat populations. Typically, less than 1% of bats in nature are infected with the virus. Even among bats submitted for rabies testing, which are often already suspected of being sick, only about 6% are confirmed to have rabies.
Testing for rabies can only be definitively confirmed in a laboratory setting by examining the bat’s brain tissue. The public might perceive rabies as more prevalent in bats because only those exhibiting unusual behavior or found in concerning situations are usually captured and tested. This selective testing can create a skewed impression of the actual infection rates within the overall bat population.
Transmission and Human Safety
Rabies transmission from bats to humans primarily occurs through bites or scratches, or when infected saliva comes into contact with mucous membranes (like eyes, nose, or mouth) or open wounds. Bat bites can be very small and may not leave an obvious mark, making them difficult to detect. This means direct physical contact with a bat, even without a clear bite, should be considered a potential exposure.
If contact with a bat occurs, especially if it was acting unusually or found in a room with a sleeping person, an unattended child, or someone unable to communicate potential contact, immediate action is necessary. The affected area should be thoroughly washed with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Prompt medical attention is crucial to assess the exposure and determine if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. This treatment, which involves a series of vaccinations and sometimes rabies immune globulin, is highly effective at preventing the disease if administered before symptoms appear. Whenever possible, the bat should be safely captured for rabies testing, as a negative test result can prevent unnecessary treatment.