Which disease is commonly associated with bats?

Bats are well-known reservoirs for the rabies virus, and this association is critical in public health discussions about zoonotic diseases. Rabies is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected animals, and bats are one of the most significant carriers of this virus in many parts of the world. Infected bats can transmit rabies through saliva, making encounters with them particularly dangerous.

Highlighting the other diseases, encephalitis can be caused by various pathogens, but bats are not a primary reservoir for these viruses. Psittacosis is primarily associated with birds, particularly parrots, and isn’t linked to bats. Pediculosis refers to infestation by lice, which is unrelated to bats or any zoonotic disease transmission. Thus, rabies stands out as the disease most commonly connected to bats due to their role as vital carriers of this virus.