Can a bat exposure cause human rabies death in the United States?
Bat exposure is a serious risk for human rabies in the United States. Bats are the most common source of rabies infections acquired within the country. Since the year 2000, bats have been responsible for over 80% of human rabies cases in the U.S. 10. This includes cases where a person was bitten or had contact with a bat without visible wounds 10.
What the research says
Recent reports confirm that bat exposure has led to human deaths. One case involved a 7-year-old boy in Texas who was bitten by a bat in 2021. His family did not seek medical treatment because they did not see bite marks. The child developed symptoms two months later and died 10. Another report details three separate human deaths in the United States that were directly attributed to bat exposures 1.
The virus is transmitted through saliva entering the body via a bite, scratch, or contact with broken skin 9. Even without visible marks, contact with a bat can transmit the virus 10. Once symptoms appear, rabies is nearly always fatal 10. While dogs cause most deaths globally, bats are the leading cause of rabies in the U.S. 10.
What to ask your doctor
- Did I need post-exposure prophylaxis after touching a bat, even if I did not see a bite?
- What are the signs of rabies I should watch for after a bat encounter?
- Is there a specific protocol for testing a bat if I wake up and find one in my room?
- How quickly should I seek medical care after a potential bat exposure?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about this topic and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.