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The first rabies carriers were probably bats.*
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Bats pose the biggest rabies risk to humans.*
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Bat rabies has been reported in 49 states; rabies has not been reported
in Hawaii.*
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Bats have small teeth and are able to bite without leaving a noticeable
mark. In fact, there are cases where bats have bitten people who were sleeping
without waking them.*
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Vampire bats in Latin America are known to be rabies carriers but are
not the only bats that are; many types of bats in North America also carry the
virus.*
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Bats should never be handled by people who are
untrained and unvaccinated.**
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Bats should never be kept as pets.**
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Because bat bites can go undetected, it is recommended that if a person
awakens and finds a bat
in the room, or if an adult witnesses a bat in the room with a previously
unattended child or a
mentally or physically challenged person, and it is not possible to test the
bat, seek medical
attention immediately.**
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If a bat is suspected of having exposed a human (or animal) to the
rabies virus, the bat should be
safely caught and tested. (However, if possible, it is best to contact your
local public health
department.)**
