Rabies fears after swarm of infected bats descends on Los Angeles, endangering millions
Rabies fears after swarm of infected bats descends on Los Angeles, endangering millions
The Express US Sun, October 18, 2026 at 6:12 AM UTC
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The bats pose a danger to L.A. residents (Image: Getty)Los Angeles County has recorded its highest number of rabid bats ever, according to the county's Department of Public Health, which lists 76 confirmed cases this year.
Los Angeles County has recorded its highest number of rabid bats ever, according to the county's Department of Public Health, which lists 76 confirmed cases this year. The previous record was 69, set in 2025.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that attacks the brain and nervous system.
The county also announced this month that a raccoon found in the backyard of a Westlake Village home tested positive for rabies. It is the county's first confirmed rabid raccoon since 1973. The last non-bat animal found with rabies there was a skunk in Long Beach in 2014.
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Officials said it is likely the raccoon was infected by a bat, but they are awaiting variant testing, which can take several weeks. A dog and four people at a nearby work site may have been exposed. The four people were receiving recommended follow-up care for possible rabies exposure.
The county also announced this month that a raccoon found in the backyard of a Westlake Village home tested positive for rabies. (Image: Getty)
The county said in a statement, "Rabid bats have been found in every part of Los Angeles County, from suburban areas such as the San Fernando Valley to urban areas like downtown Los Angeles, in office buildings, parks, schools, businesses and residential backyards."
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Health officials in Los Angeles County advised residents to "always keep a safe distance from wildlife and contact your local animal control if you encounter an animal that appears sick, injured, or is behaving unusually" and ensure pets are up to date on their vaccines.
"The detection of rabies in a raccoon is an important reminder to never touch, handle, or feed any wild animals, even when they appear healthy," said Dr. Muntu Davis, the Los Angeles County health officer.
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The county also announced this month that a raccoon found in the backyard of a Westlake Village home tested positive for rabies. (Image: Getty)
The Department of Public Health said in a statement, "Bats have tiny teeth, and a bite or scratch from a tooth may not leave a lasting mark but may still transmit rabies. Exposure risk to humans and pets can be ruled out if a bat tests negative for rabies."
Officials haven't yet determined which rabies variant infected the raccoon, though they suspect it was most likely a strain carried by bats.
"Rabid bat detections can vary year-to-year, but Los Angeles County has seen a steady upward trend for more than a decade," the department said.
Source: “AOL Breaking”
