Yes. Only about 33 symptomatic rabies survivors have been documented who lived at least six months after symptom onset, and the sole unvaccinated success was the original 2004 Milwaukee Protocol case .
Rabies ranks among the deadliest viral infections known to medicine, claiming nearly every life once clinical signs appear. At least a handful of unvaccinated individuals have defied these grim odds through experimental protocols like the Milwaukee Protocol, offering rare but powerful glimpses of hope. These miracle recoveries underscore why rapid prevention matters far more than hoping for a post‑exposure cure.
Having bats roosting in attics or chimneys can turn your home into a rabies hotspot without warning. Professional bat removal from AAAC Wildlife Removal offers the most reliable defense by humanely sealing entry points and safely relocating colonies before they pose a threat. Taking action today protects your household from a disease that leaves no room for error.
Rabies Fatality at a Glance
Before symptoms appear, here’s the grim reality:
- Rabies causes an estimated 59,000 human deaths each year in more than 150 countries.
- Once clinical signs emerge, rabies is virtually 100 percent fatal with no standard cure.
- The Milwaukee Protocol is the sole experimental treatment offering unvaccinated patients any hope of survival.
- Out of 41 patients treated with this regimen, only six have survived to date.
- Outcomes remain unpredictable because experts still debate which aspects of the protocol are truly lifesaving.
Miracle Recoveries
Despite rabies’ near‑universal fatality, roughly 20 people have defied the odds through aggressive experimental care rather than vaccination alone. Most of these rare survivors underwent versions of the Milwaukee or Recife Protocol, melding induced coma, antivirals, and immunotherapies to buy time for the immune system. Outcomes remain unpredictable, yet every case sheds light on potential paths to survival.
Jeanna Giese holds the distinction of being the first unvaccinated rabies survivor after a bat bite during a church service in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin in 2004. Her treatment involved chemically induced coma with ketamine and midazolam, followed by antivirals, culminating in virus clearance after 31 days and months of rehabilitation.
Other documented survivors include a 16‑year‑old Brazilian treated under the Recife Protocol in 2008 and an 8‑year‑old Californian in 2011, each illustrating how protocol adaptations can sometimes tip the balance toward recovery.
Keys to Beating the Virus
These critical steps can mean the difference between life and death:
- Immediate Wound Care: Wash any bite or scratch under running water for at least 15 minutes, using soap and a virucidal agent when possible.
- Prompt Post‑Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Start rabies immunoglobulin plus a four‑dose vaccine series within 24 hours of exposure for over 99 percent efficacy.
- Specialized Experimental Protocols: If symptoms appear, regimens like the Milwaukee Protocol induce coma, deliver antivirals, and support the immune response as a last‑ditch survival strategy.
- Long‑Term Rehabilitation: Survivors often need months of physical therapy, speech training, and neurological care to regain strength and coordination.
Why Bats Are the #1 Rabies Vector
No animal passes rabies to people more often than bats. Roughly 70 percent of U.S. rabies deaths result from bat exposures and seven out of 10 fatal cases involve these winged mammals, even though bats make up just about one‑third of rabid animals submitted for testing .
Their bites and scratches can be so tiny and painless that people often don’t realize they’ve been exposed until symptoms appear . Since there’s no approved rabies vaccine for bats, sealing entry points and humane exclusion by professionals remains the only reliable defense against a threat that leaves no margin for error .
The Role of Professional Bat Removal
When you spot bats in your attic, DIY exclusion often misses hidden entry points and risks unintentional exposure. Professional teams like AAAC Wildlife Removal bring the right expertise, tools, and permits to safely remove colonies and prevent reentry. CDC guidelines recommend working with animal control or wildlife agencies to bat proof homes and seal openings larger than a dime to keep rabies vectors out.
AAAC Wildlife Control conduct thorough inspections, install one‑way exclusion devices, and apply durable sealants to ensure lasting protection. This humane approach respects bat conservation laws while safeguarding your family from unseen risks. Investing in professional removal today saves you from costly repairs, medical bills, and the nightmare of a potential rabies exposure.
What to Do If You’ve Seen a Bat
If you find a bat in your living space, don’t handle it with bare hands. Wash any bite or scratch under running water with soap for at least 15 minutes to flush out the virus and seek medical help immediately if you suspect contact with bat saliva.
Contact your doctor or local health department right away to assess your risk and start post‑exposure prophylaxis, human rabies immune globulin plus a four‑dose vaccine series, ideally within 24 hours for nearly 100 percent effectiveness. If it’s safe, have wildlife professionals capture the bat for testing to guide further treatment.
Actionable Prevention Tips
A well‑sealed home is your first line of defense against rabies vectors like bats. Simple DIY tasks can drastically reduce the chance of unwanted guests nesting in walls or attics. Use these targeted tactics:
- Inspect regularly: Check your attic, eaves, vents and soffits each spring and fall for gaps larger than a dime.
- Seal all cracks: Use caulk, steel wool or metal mesh to close openings around pipes, cables and roof edges.
- Install barriers: Fit chimney caps, vent screens and door sweeps to block common entry points.
- Maintain your yard: Trim tree branches and remove clutter near your home to eliminate bat launch pads.
- Schedule professional checks: Book seasonal wildlife inspections to catch hidden vulnerabilities before bats move in.
For maximum peace of mind, have licensed specialists perform thorough home‑proofing services. AAAC Wildlife Removal’s experts ensure every crevice is secured without harming local bat populations, keeping your family safe and your property protected.
Why Prevention Beats the Odds
Surviving rabies remains a freak of modern medicine rather than a strategy, with only about 20 unvaccinated individuals ever pulling through experimental treatments . Standard rabies is virtually 100 percent fatal once symptoms show, making any hope of post‑exposure cure wildly unpredictable . Relying on medical miracles is far too risky when prevention can stop the threat before it starts.
That stark reality makes home protection against bats imperative. Professional bat exclusion and proofing deliver the only reliable defense against a virus that gives no second chances. Securing your attic, vents, and chimneys with expert help ensures your family stays safe and worry‑free.
Schedule Your Free Bat‑Safety Assessment
Schedule your free bat‑safety assessment with AAAC Wildlife Removal today and lock out hidden threats before they become life‑threatening. Our licensed technicians will conduct a thorough inspection, seal every entry point, and guarantee lasting protection for your home.
