The St. Mary’s County Health Department has recently received reports of bats living inside the attics and living spaces of local residences. While bats have a beneficial role in the environment, their presence in homes may cause nuisance conditions in the form of odor from guano. Bats may also be infected with rabies. Rabies is a preventable viral disease that can be transmitted by infectious saliva, usually through exposure by a bite from infected mammals. Bats have small teeth that may leave marks that are not easily visible. In some circumstances, a person may not be aware that an exposure has occurred; especially if a bat is found in a bedroom, a room with a sleeping child, or a room with an individual who has a disability. If safe capture of the bat is possible, the bat may be submitted for rabies testing. The St. Mary’s County Health Department recommends you prevent bats from entering your home. If you find a bat in your home, do not touch it with bare hands. Only let the bat go if you are sure there has been no contact with people or household pets. Contact the St. Mary’s County Health Department for assistance [...]
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