The Grundy County Health Department reminds residents to use caution around bats and other wildlife following a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health advisory regarding increased rabies exposures across the country.

Earlier this month, the CDC reported increased animal exposures and use of rabies post-exposure treatment during the summer of 2026. In Missouri, 28 bats had tested positive for rabies as of Sept. 19, compared with 24 positive bats reported during all of 2025. Most of this year’s reported cases have been in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas.

Rabies is a serious disease that is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms begin, but it can be prevented if appropriate treatment is given promptly after an exposure. Most bats do not have rabies, but residents should avoid direct contact with bats and know the signs of a potentially sick animal.

Tips

According to the health department, bats may require extra caution if they:

• Are active during the daytime.

• Are found on the ground or in an unusual location.

• Appear unable to fly or seem weak.

• Allow people to approach them.

• Have direct contact with a person or pet.

• Never touch a bat with your bare hands. Bat bites and scratches can be very small and may go unnoticed.

“If you have been bitten or scratched by a bat, or if a bat’s saliva may have contacted your eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound, wash the area with soap and water and contact a health care provider or the health department promptly. Do not wait for symptoms to develop,” reads a release from the health department.

If a bat is found inside a home, particularly in a room where someone was sleeping or where a young child or someone unable to communicate may have been present, health experts say to not release the bat. Instead, residents should contact the health department or animal control for guidance.

Residents can also help prevent bats from entering their homes by sealing gaps and openings around the roof, attic, windows, chimney, doors and utility lines. Bats can enter through openings as small as a quarter-inch.

“If you have had contact with a bat or other wild animal and aren’t sure whether you were exposed, don’t guess. Contact the Grundy County Health Department or your healthcare provider for guidance,” reads the health department release.