Can Bats Spread Rabies? What You Need to Know

When it comes to bats, one of the biggest fears people have is rabies—a very serious disease that affects the brain and can be fatal if not treated promptly. In this article, we’ll explain what rabies is, how it can be transmitted by bats, the symptoms to watch for, and the steps you should take if you suspect exposure. Please note that we are not medical experts; if you have any concerns or questions about rabies, consult your local doctor or healthcare professional immediately.

At Durand’s Bat Removal, the health and safety of our team and community are our top priorities. All of our technicians are pre-vaccinated against rabies. For reference, the pre-exposure vaccination series typically costs around $1,200 total, while post-exposure prophylaxis—which includes both the rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) and a series of vaccinations—can cost roughly $3,000 to $5,000. These costs are provided as rough estimates and may vary by location and provider.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral infection that targets the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. Once the virus reaches the brain, it causes severe inflammation, leading to almost always fatal outcomes if not treated before symptoms appear.

The rabies virus is part of the Rhabdoviridae family and is primarily present in the saliva of infected animals such as bats, dogs, raccoons, and skunks. The virus is usually transmitted through bites or scratches that break the skin. In rare cases, transmission can occur if infected saliva contacts an open wound or mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, nose, or mouth).

Rabies has been recognized for centuries and was historically associated with fear and madness. Today, with modern medical interventions and vaccination programs, rabies is much more controllable—especially in regions where domestic animals receive regular vaccinations.

How Can Bats Transmit Rabies?

Bat-to-Human Transmission

Bats are among the most common carriers of rabies in North America, although only a small percentage (approximately 2-3%) of bats test positive for the virus. However, even a single bite or scratch from a rabid bat can be extremely dangerous and should be taken seriously.

Modes of Transmission

1. Bites and Scratches:
   The most common method is through bites or scratches that break the skin, allowing infected saliva to enter your body.

2. Contact with Mucous Membranes:
   If bat saliva comes into contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus can also be transmitted.

3. Indirect Contact:
   While rare, the virus might be transmitted if you handle a bat and then touch your face or an open wound without proper protection.

Symptoms of Rabies

Early Signs

Initial symptoms of rabies can be nonspecific and similar to the flu, including:

• Fever

• Headache

• General weakness or discomfort

Advanced Symptoms

As the virus reaches the brain, more severe symptoms emerge:

• Confusion and agitation

• Anxiety and irritability

• Difficulty swallowing

• Excessive salivation

• Hydrophobia (fear of water)

• Hallucinations or delirium

• Seizures

Once advanced symptoms appear, the disease progresses rapidly, and without immediate medical intervention, rabies is almost always fatal.

Incubation Period

The time between exposure and the onset of symptoms can vary from a few weeks to several months. The length of the incubation period depends on factors such as the location of the bite (closer to the head often results in a shorter incubation) and the amount of virus introduced.

Prevention: What You Can Do

Immediate Steps After Exposure

If you’re bitten or scratched by a bat or come into contact with its saliva:

1. Wash the Wound:
   Immediately clean the affected area with soap and water. This simple step can help reduce the virus's chance to take hold.

2. Seek Medical Attention:
   Contact your healthcare provider immediately. They may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which involves a series of vaccinations and, in some cases, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) to prevent the virus from developing.

3. Avoid Direct Contact:
   Do not handle bats or attempt to remove them on your own without proper protection.

Vaccination Costs

For those at higher risk (such as animal control workers or veterinarians), a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series is recommended. Typically, this series costs between $900 and $1,200 in total. In contrast, if you are exposed to rabies, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes both the vaccine series and rabies immunoglobulin, can cost roughly $3,000 to $5,000.

For those working in bat removal and other high-risk fields, staying up-to-date with rabies boosters is essential for ongoing protection. Typically, technicians should receive a rabies booster every two years, or alternatively, undergo a titer test to verify that their vaccine-induced immunity remains active. This proactive approach not only ensures the safety of professionals handling bats but also contributes to the overall safety of the communities they serve.

Professional Bat Removal and Our Safety Measures

Our Commitment at Durand’s Bat Removal

At Durand’s Bat Removal, we use safe, humane methods to remove bats from your home. Our technicians are fully vaccinated against rabies, ensuring their safety while they work in potentially hazardous conditions.

Our Process

• Expert Inspection:
  We conduct a comprehensive inspection to locate all bat roosting sites and entry points (note that inspections are not free).

• Humane Removal:
  Using one-way exclusion devices, we allow bats to exit your home safely without harming them, in accordance with legal guidelines.

• Sealing Entry Points and Cleanup:
  Once the bats are removed, we seal all identified entry points and clean the affected areas to minimize health risks.

Important Reminder

This article is provided for informational purposes only. We are not medical professionals. If you suspect you have been exposed to rabies or develop any symptoms after contact with a bat, please seek immediate medical attention and consult your local doctor or healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can be transmitted by bats, even though only a small percentage of bats are infected. Recognizing the symptoms—from early flu-like signs to severe neurological issues—is critical for seeking timely treatment. At Durand’s Bat Removal, our team is committed to safely and humanely removing bats while protecting both your home and our technicians with pre-exposure rabies vaccinations.

Remember, if you ever suspect exposure to rabies, act immediately by cleaning any wounds and seeking medical advice. Your health and safety are paramount.