Health Officials Warn of Potential Rabies Exposure in Wyoming Cabins
Health officials are alerting a large number of people across numerous states and countries about possible rabies exposure in cabins at Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. This comes after bats were discovered in the area over the past few months.
As of Friday, none of the bats collected from the eight connected cabins at Jackson Lake Lodge tested positive for rabies. However, Dr. Alexia Harist, a health officer in Wyoming, pointed out that the few dead bats sent for examination at the Wyoming Veterinary Institute in Laramie represent only a small fraction of those that might have taken residence in the attic above the cabins.
The bats that were found did not die on-site but were removed from the cabins. Interestingly, most didn’t invade the living spaces directly.
This led health officials to advise recent guests in the cabins of potential exposure, as bites or scratches from bats can often go unnoticed, particularly while someone is asleep. “We’re really concerned about those who spotted bats in their rooms or might have had direct contact,” Harist explained.
Since the bat situation was identified on July 27, there are no plans to reopen the cabin. Bats are known to carry rabies, which, when symptoms manifest, often lead to severe outcomes, including fatality in humans.
On a positive note, Harist highlighted that a series of preventive shots administered over two weeks can effectively prevent illness.
The cabin was reopened in May for the summer season after being closed during winter. Health officials estimate around 500 visitors have stayed in the cabins this summer based on approximately 250 bookings by late July.
Efforts are underway to reach individuals from 38 states and seven countries via the CDC and state health agencies. Those who stayed in cabins numbered 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 530 are urged to inform health authorities or medical professionals immediately, especially if they noticed any bats during their stay.
Preventive shots are recommended for specific individuals—like deep sleepers who may not have realized bats were present or young children unable to communicate such encounters.
Despite these concerns, the Wyoming Department of Health has not raised ongoing safety issues for visitors at Jackson Lake Lodge, including during events like the Federal Reserve Economic Policy Symposium held there each summer.
Emily Cullen, a public health veterinarian in Wyoming, praised the efforts of the Lodge Company to ensure visitor safety this season.
The dead bats found were all tested negative, though some could not be tested due to insufficient brain tissue. Both small and large brown bat species, common in Wyoming, inhabit colonies usually consisting of 30 to 100 individuals. Officials remain cautious, acknowledging that while a few bats have been tested, the full extent of rabies risk isn’t clear.
Emily Davis, a spokesperson for Grand Teton National Park, noted that there are currently no plans to eliminate bats, as measures have been implemented to prevent them from re-entering the buildings after being removed.
