by RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. — Health officials in Southern California are urging residents to take extra precautions following a sharp rise in rabid bat cases this year. The Riverside County Department of Public Health confirmed that 18 bats have tested positive for rabies so far in 2025, marking an increase from 15 cases reported in 2024.
Authorities say the trend is concerning, especially as bats are the primary carriers of rabies in California and can transmit the deadly virus to both humans and pets.
“Rabies Is Almost Always Fatal,” Warns Health Officer
Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky, Riverside County’s Public Health Officer, emphasized that rabies is a rare but deadly virus that requires immediate medical intervention after any potential exposure.
“Rabies is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms appear,” Dr. 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.”
Rabies affects the nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms begin, making post-exposure vaccination crucial. Officials noted that even a minor scratch or unnoticed bite could pose a serious health risk.
Safety Tips to Prevent Rabies Exposure
County officials outlined several steps the public should follow to protect themselves, their families, and pets from rabies infection:
- Never touch or handle a bat, even if it appears sick or injured.
- Ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies as required by law.
- Report any contact with bats to local animal control or Public Health authorities.
- Seal entry points in homes, attics, and garages to prevent bats from getting inside.
- Avoid contact with wild animals such as skunks, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes, which can also carry rabies.
Officials also advised that anyone who wakes up to find a bat in their room, or notices a bat near a sleeping child or pet, should immediately contact their healthcare provider for evaluation and possible post-exposure rabies vaccination.
Immediate Action Could Save Lives
Public health experts say early treatment is critical to preventing the virus from spreading. Once symptoms appear, rabies infection is virtually untreatable.
Anyone who suspects exposure should wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water, contact their doctor, and report the incident to local health authorities. Medical professionals can determine if a series of rabies vaccines is needed to prevent infection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 100,000 Americans receive rabies vaccinations each year after possible exposure. Most of these cases are linked to bat encounters.
Why Rabid Bat Cases Are Rising
Experts say that warmer weather, drought conditions, and urban expansion may be contributing to an increase in human-wildlife interactions — and thus, more rabies cases.
Riverside County officials noted that many of the infected bats were found near residential areas and parks, underscoring the need for residents to remain cautious when outdoors or around pets.
“People often underestimate how easily bats can enter homes or garages through small openings,” said Dr. Chevinsky. “Simple preventive measures like securing screens and sealing roof gaps can go a long way toward keeping families safe.”
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Community Efforts and Reporting
Local animal control officers are working with the Public Health Department to track rabies cases and educate residents about wildlife safety. Pet owners are also encouraged to keep vaccination records up to date and avoid letting animals roam freely.
Officials remind residents that bat encounters should always be reported, even if no bite is visible. Proper testing of the animal can determine whether post-exposure treatment is necessary.
Have you noticed more bats in your neighborhood this year? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments at race-day-live.com and join the discussion on how communities can stay safe from rabies exposure.
