In what situations with a bat would a person be considered “potentially exposed” to rabies?
Since 1990, 34 of 37 human rabies deaths among people who acquired the disease in the United States were as a result of bat rabies. Because people can develop rabies after unapparent exposures to bats, rabies treatment is recommended in situations in which there is a reasonable probability of exposure, such as:

- Direct physical contact with a bat

- Bat found in a room with a sleeping person

- Bat found in a room with an unattended child

- In some circumstances, bat found in close proximity to an unattended child outdoor

- Bat found in a room with an individual under the influence of alcohol or drugs or with other sensory or mental impairment

Show All Answers

1. How do I capture a bat in the house?
2. How can I learn more about bats and rabies?
3. In what situations with a bat would a person be considered “potentially exposed” to rabies?
4. What should I do if I encounter a bat outside?
5. What should I do if I find a bat in my house?