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Dear Community Members,
We are reminding residents that if you find a bat in your home, do not let it outside. If there is any chance of human or pet exposure, the bat should be safely captured and saved for rabies testing. Because bat bites can be very small and easily go unnoticed, New York State guidance considers an exposure to be any scenario where a bite cannot be ruled out—including finding a bat in the same room as a sleeping person, an unattended child, or someone who is incapacitated.
If you find a bat in your home, do not let it outside if there is any chance of exposure.
Why Testing is Important
If the bat is safely captured, ECHD can send it out to be tested for rabies. A negative test result can prevent individuals from needing rabies post-exposure treatment. If the bat escapes, is let outside, or tests positive, a multi-dose treatment series is recommended for anyone who may have been exposed.
If you find a bat (dead or alive):
- If/when it is safe to do so, confine it to the room where it was discovered and wait for it to land.
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Wearing thick gloves, cover the bat with a small container, such as a coffee can or piece of Tupperware.
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Slide a lid or a piece of cardboard under the container and secure with tape to prevent escape.
- Call ECHD immediately 518-873-3500 for further instructions, even if the bat escapes or cannot be located.
Contact Information
The Essex County Health Department is available 24/7 to evaluate potential rabies exposures and assist with guidance.
Phone: 518-873-3500 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
After-Hours: Callers will be connected directly to on-call public health staff.
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