Do you have a bat in your house? What to do if you are bitten? visit http://health.westchestergov.com/rabies to learn what you should do.

The Westchester County Department of Health (WCDOH) recently distributed notice that the month of August is the peak month for bat activity. Thus the likelihood of human or pet exposures to bats increases.

If you have a bat in your home the DOH recommends capturing the bat and making notification to the DOH for a decision regarding testing. WCDOH can be contacted 24 x 7 at 914 813 5000.

DOH advises a bat killed by trauma will rapidly decompose in warm weather, making it untestable so immediate refrigeration or preferably
freezing is required. Place bat in freezer in a sealed plastic bag or small plastic container.

What to do if you are bitten?

If you are bitten, scratched or have some other exposure immediately wash the area with warm soapy water and call your doctor or hospital. Call the Westchester County Health Department at (914) 813-5000 24 hours a day seven days a week for assistance.

Source –

1) WCDOH memorandum dated August 8, 2014 – Titled Rabies Update – Bats

2) WCDOH website – http://health.westchestergov.com/rabies

For full details, view this message on the web.