KIRKWOOD, Missouri (April 23, 2026) — The St. Louis County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first rabies-positive bat of the year, prompting officials to remind residents to take precautions around wildlife.
Health authorities reported that a bat found inside a home in Kirkwood tested positive for Rabies on April 16. While cases like this are relatively rare, officials stress the importance of handling such situations carefully to prevent potential exposure.
What to Do If You Find a Bat in Your Home
Residents are advised not to handle bats directly. Instead, they should isolate the animal by closing it off in the room where it was found. Experts strongly recommend against releasing the bat outdoors, as testing may be necessary to determine whether rabies exposure has occurred.
Local residents should contact animal control or public health authorities so trained professionals can safely collect the bat for testing. Under Missouri guidelines, bats discovered inside living spaces—or those that may have had access to them—should be evaluated for rabies risk regardless of the season.
If there is any concern about possible exposure, including uncertain contact or a suspected bite, individuals are urged to seek medical advice immediately. Health officials note that early intervention with post-exposure treatment can effectively prevent infection.
Understanding Rabies Risk
Rabies is a serious viral disease that spreads through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly via bites. Although only a small percentage of bats carry the virus, those behaving unusually—such as being active during the day or unable to fly—may pose a higher risk.
Because bat bites can be difficult to detect, even minimal contact should be taken seriously. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. However, prompt medical treatment before symptoms develop can prevent the disease entirely.
Public health officials emphasize vigilance and quick action to reduce risk to both humans and pets, especially when dealing with wildlife encounters.