Not all rabid bats act abnormally, but bats that do act abnormally are more likely to have rabies. Immediately arrange with the local health department for the bat to be tested for rabies. If the bat is unavailable for testing, or tests positive for rabies, the pet must be given a rabies booster vaccination within five days. If an unvaccinated pet has contact with a rabid or suspect rabid bat, the animal must be euthanized or strictly confined for six months. In most cases unreported bat encounters were postulated.
Human rabies is a rare event in the United States, usually occurring once or twice a year.
However, there have been six cases in 1994 and three cases through October 1995. The physician's role has two elements - early assessment and identification of exposures with Department of health consultation, and early diagnosis of symptomatic cases, although these are rare. Early diagnosis is important to limit contacts with the patient's saliva, which would require immunization. Neck stiffness is also a common initial feature. Maintain vigilance for bats that might be present during sleep.