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(HOLLAND, MI.) - The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) has been notified by the Michigan Bureau of Laboratories (BOL) that a bat recently submitted from Ottawa County has tested positive for rabies. This is the first case of rabies in an animal in the county this year. There were no reported cases of rabies in animals or humans in 2023. As of July 12, 2024, there have been 18 reported cases of animals with rabies in the state of Michigan. The risk of exposure to a rabid bat is higher from May through September when bats are more active. Residents should take steps to protect their families and animals from rabies.
People and pets are usually exposed to rabies when they are bitten or scratched by an infected animal. Of particular concern are exposures that occur when a bat is found in a room with people who have been asleep, or a bat is found with an unattended child or impaired adult who cannot be sure of their contact with the bat.
Rabies is a fatal, but preventable disease. Because of this, it is important to collect the bat for rabies testing. Post-exposure treatment is recommended for people who are exposed to a potentially rabid animal. Treatment is not necessary if the animal tests negative for rabies.
Protect your family and pets from rabies by taking these simple steps:
- Avoid contact with bats and other wild animals. Do not keep wild animals as pets and do not try to rehabilitate wild animals yourself. Wild animals can carry rabies without looking sick.
- If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, seek immediate medical attention.
- If you find a bat in your home, do not release or dispose of it. Safely confine or collect the bat if possible and contact the OCDPH at 616-396-5266 to determine if it should be tested for rabies. If testing is needed, animals may be brought to Harbor Humane Society (616-399-2119 or harborhumane.org) to be sent for testing. More information on how to collect a bat safely can be found here or in this YouTube video.
- Protect your pets by getting them vaccinated against rabies. Even cats that live indoors and never go outside can encounter a bat that gets inside the home.
- If your animal is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, or if you believe they have had unsupervised contact with wildlife, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Even if your pet is currently vaccinated against rabies, additional actions may need to be taken to prevent them from becoming infected. If possible, safely confine or capture the wild animal without touching it and contact your local animal control officer or veterinarian, as the animal may need to be tested for rabies.
Additional resources
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health works with our community to help assure conditions that promote and protect health. OCDPH’s vision is healthy people. Follow OCDPH on Facebook @miOttawaHealth, X @miOCDPH, or Instagram @miOCDPH.
Click to watch: How to Safely Catch a Bat
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