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Health Officials Urge Caution After Rabies-Positive Bat Found in Kent County
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (May 28, 2026) — The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) are urging residents to take precautions after confirming the county’s first rabies-positive animal of the year—a bat. Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease that can spread to people and pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Because bats can enter homes undetected, it’s important for residents to understand the risks and take appropriate precautions.
“During the summer, bats can enter homes while seeking safe, warm places to give birth and raise their young. Young bats may also accidentally find their way inside as they learn to fly and navigate on their own.” said Cathy Armstrong, Communicable Disease Program Supervisor. “If it’s unclear whether a person or pet may have had direct contact with a bat, testing the bat is the best way to rule out any risk of rabies exposure. Because bats have very small teeth, a bite may not always be obvious in situations such as when someone was sleeping.”
Kent County residents should take the following steps if a bat enters their home:
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Safely capture the bat for potential testing. Wearing thick gloves, long sleeves, and pants, use a container and piece of cardboard to secure the bat in a cool, quite place.
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Call the KCHD at 616-632-7228 for a risk assessment to determine if the bat should be tested. Testing is only done if KCHD staff identifies a potential human risk.
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If approved, bring the bat to the KCAS for testing. Bats arriving before 2:30 p.m. are typically sent for testing that same afternoon with results usually available by the next business day. Bats arriving after 2:30 p.m. or on Fridays may take an extra business day.
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Wait for results. KCHD staff will call with test results and instructions if post-exposure treatment (PEP) is needed.
In addition to these steps, residents can take proactive measures to reduce the risk of rabies in their homes and protect their family and pets:
- Never touch or handle bats or other wild animals.
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Do not keep wild animals as pets or attempt to rehabilitate them yourself, as they can carry rabies without showing signs of illness.
- Keep pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date.
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Secure living spaces to prevent wildlife from entering your home.
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Stay aware of potential encounters with bats or other wildlife.
“Even indoor cats and dogs can be at risk if a bat enters the home,” said Angela Hollinshead, Director, KCAS. “Keeping pets current on rabies vaccinations is the simplest and most effective way to protect them and the whole household.”
Over the past five years, there have been 16 rabies-positive animals reported in Kent County—including this year's and two in 2025. Statewide, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has confirmed 13 rabid animals so far in 2026.
For more information about rabies and how to protect your family and pets, please visit the MDHHS website. To schedule a media interview, available, please email Afua Brantuo Communications.
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