Record 76 Rabies Bats Confirmed

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed a record number of rabies-infected bats in 2026: 76 so far — the highest figure in history and surpassing last year's record of 69. The latest statement was cited by The Sun on Sunday (10/18/2026).

According to DPH, rabid bats have been 'found in every part' of Los Angeles County — from suburban areas like the San Fernando Valley to urban areas like downtown Los Angeles, including in office buildings, parks, schools, businesses, and residents' backyards.

This trend is no surprise. On World Rabies Day, September 28, DPH reported 69 confirmed rabid bats — matching the 2025 record even though peak bat season had not yet passed. Three weeks later, the number rose to 76. August was the busiest month: 24 rabid bats confirmed, with nearly 1 in 3 bats submitted by residents for testing turning out positive.

Raccoon and Dog Infected, Worker Receives Treatment

Besides bats, a raccoon in the Westlake Village area has tested positive for rabies — believed to have contracted the rabies strain carried by bats before spreading the virus to the area. Officials say this case proves that surrounding environmental conditions do not determine the level of risk.

A dog that had contact with the raccoon and four nearby yard workers have undergone rabies exposure treatment consisting of follow-up shots. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear in humans or animals, but the disease can be prevented if treatment is administered immediately after exposure.

Rabies is transmitted through bites, scratches, or saliva from infected animals entering wounds, eyes, nose, or mouth. DPH urges residents not to touch bats or any wild animals, and to immediately report to animal control officers if they find a bat indoors or one that appears sick, is active during the day, cannot fly, or is dead.