Rabid Bat Alert: Washtenaw County Reports First Case of the Year

In Washtenaw County, health officials have identified a rabid bat for the first time since 2022. The bat was discovered in the 48108 zip code, and so far this year, a total of 13 bats have been tested. While there was a period without any rabies-positive animals, it is not uncommon to see bats with the disease in the county every year, especially during the summer and fall months.

Since 2006, over 50 bats have tested positive for rabies in Washtenaw County. Additionally, at least one horse and eight skunks have also tested positive for rabies over the past 18 years. A map of cases from 2011 to 2023 shows that multiple rabid animals were detected in the Ann Arbor area. As of May 1, seven bats have tested positive for rabies in Michigan in 2024, with cases in Wayne, Lapeer, and St. Clair counties.

Residents are encouraged to report any bat exposure or animal bites online to determine if there was any risk of rabies exposure. Health officials advise taking precautions such as making sure all open doors and windows have screens to prevent bats from entering homes, checking for small openings that bats could enter through, cleaning bite wounds with soap and water if bitten by a wild animal, and keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccines.

DeJanay Booth-Singleton is a digital producer at CBS Detroit who covers various topics such as crime, business, and politics.