Buzz
While bats are charming and vital components of our ecosystem, they were responsible for 17 out of 19 rabies-related fatalities in the US from 1997 to 2006. Since bat bites can go unnoticed, health authorities often advise getting a rabies vaccine if you discover a bat in your sleeping area.
This recommendation also applies to individuals who may have been exposed to bats without realizing it or who cannot communicate such exposure. This includes those under the influence of alcohol, young children, and individuals with cognitive impairments. Bat bites can be so subtle that they often go undetected.
Why is this so critical?
Rabies is invariably fatal once symptoms appear. (There are extremely rare instances of survival, such as a girl who was placed in a medically induced coma and treated with antivirals, but the effectiveness of this method remains unclear, and it is not recommended as a standard treatment.)
If there’s even a slight possibility that you or your child has been bitten, it’s wise to seek the recommended treatment immediately. Contact your local or state health department for details, as they monitor rabies cases in wildlife. Urban areas aren’t exempt: this 2015 map highlights numerous rabies cases in bats across New York and other major cities.
How does the rabies vaccination process work?
Rabies vaccination isn’t part of standard childhood immunizations. Unless you’re a dog (which you’re likely not), you probably haven’t received it. Preventative vaccination is common among veterinarians, spelunkers, military personnel, and travelers to rabies-prone regions.
Rabies progresses slowly from the bite site to the central nervous system, which it ultimately damages. Receiving the vaccine promptly allows your immune system to prepare and combat the virus effectively—similar to last-minute studying for a crucial test.
The CDC outlines the standard rabies treatment as a dose of immune globulin—pre-made antibodies that target the virus—paired with a rabies vaccine. Follow-up doses are administered on the third, seventh, and fourteenth days after the initial bite.
Each vaccination is a straightforward injection in the arm, similar to those for tetanus or the flu. (When I was younger, there was a myth that rabies shots required twenty stomach injections, but that’s no longer the case.)
Rabies treatment can be costly, and insurance coverage may fall short of expectations. However, medical expenses are preferable to fatal consequences, so cutting corners here isn’t advisable. Verify with your insurance provider for in-network options and inquire if your local health department can assist with costs. (Some do, but many cannot.)
Capture the bat if possible
If you can safely capture the bat, do so. Testing the bat for rabies can determine whether you need the vaccination.
The CDC provides additional details on bats and rabies here. Ultimately, consult your doctor, and if they recommend rabies shots, proceed without delay.
