08/12/2026
The Erie County Department of Health is alerting residents to a recent increase in reported bat encounters, and reminding the public that bats can carry rabies, a 100% fatal and 100% preventable, disease. Please take a moment to read through their post - it could save your life!
We are alerting residents to a recent increase in reported bat encounters, and reminding the public that bats can carry rabies, a 100% fatal and 100% preventable, disease. Any potential contact between a bat and a person or pet should be treated as a possible exposure.
“Our department approved 150 people for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in July, which was the highest total we have ever recorded for that month,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “Based on the calls we have received so far in August, we are in for another record-breaking month. Our public health sanitarians and epidemiologists are skilled in investigating these cases and recommending PEP when appropriate.”
Rabies PEP is also known as “rabies shots,” which are a series of vaccines given over several weeks. “If you are uninsured or underinsured, do not let that be the reason you avoid calling us,” said Dr. Burstein. “When ECDOH authorizes PEP, the exposed person can receive that treatment with costs fully covered by their health insurance or by Erie County. Erie County residents do not need to pay any money themselves for rabies PEP.”
Erie County residents with concerns about a scratch or bite from any animal, including bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes or domestic pets, can call (716) 961-6800. Bats are the most common animal found to have rabies in Erie County, but they are also the most easily caught and tested. In recent years, raccoons, skunks, woodchucks, foxes and cats have tested rabies positive.
Call your health department immediately if:
• You find a bat inside a home, especially in a bedroom or near someone who was sleeping. Take special care in households with young children, older adults and people with disabilities.
• You, someone in your household or pet has direct contact with a bat or other wildlife such as raccoons, skunks or foxes.
• You find a bat in a home and the possibility of contact cannot be ruled out.
ECDOH will help assess exposure risk and provide guidance on next steps, including testing of the animal when possible. Rabies is fatal once symptoms begin; do not wait to call (716) 961-6800.
https://www3.erie.gov/health/press/bats-your-bedroom-seasonal-increase-bat-encounters-sparks-reminders-about-rabies-prevention
