Hundreds Warned Over Potential Rabies Exposure from Bats in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park Cabins

Health authorities are actively contacting hundreds of individuals across numerous states and countries who may have come into contact with rabies-exposed bats in cabins within Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, over the past few months. As of Friday, no infected bats were detected in eight connected cabins at Jackson Lake Lodge.

However, Dr. Alexia Harrist, Wyoming State Health Officer, speculates that a limited number of dead bats submitted for testing likely represent only a small percentage of the potential dozens that inhabited the attic above the row of cabins. Remaining bats were either shooed out or avoided human contact.

Health officials have advised anyone who has recently occupied these cabins to be aware of possible exposure through bites or scratches, particularly during sleep when such incidents may go unnoticed. The primary concern is individuals who encountered bats within their rooms or had direct contact with them.

The cabins have remained unoccupied since July 27, following the discovery of a bat problem by concessionaire Grand Teton Lodge Company. Bats are a common carrier of the rabies virus, and once symptoms arise—including muscle aches, vomiting, itching—rabies is almost invariably fatal for humans.

However, an effective preventative measure involves a five-shot treatment regimen administered over a two-week period following exposure. Dr. Harrist emphasized that this course significantly reduces the risk of illness.

The cabins reopened for summer use in May after a winter hiatus. Based on approximately 250 reservations through late July, health officials estimate up to 500 people may have stayed at these cabins. Efforts are underway to reach individuals in 38 states and seven countries via their respective health agencies and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for foreign visitors.

Individuals who haven’t been contacted yet but spent time in cabins numbered 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 530 this year should promptly notify health authorities or a healthcare professional.

Health officials are recommending preventative shots for individuals who meet specific criteria such as deep sleepers who discovered bats in their rooms and young children unable to recall bat sightings.

The Wyoming Department of Health has no outstanding concerns regarding visitor safety in the Jackson Lake Lodge area, including an annual Federal Reserve economic policy symposium scheduled for August 21-23 at Jackson Lake Lodge. Emily Curren, Wyoming’s public health veterinarian, praised the lodge company’s efforts to ensure visitor safety during all visits this year.

Curren reported that “three or four” dead bats from the cabins tested negative for rabies, and one mangled specimen did not have enough brain tissue for testing. All tested bats were brown bats, common in Wyoming, typically inhabiting colonies of 30 to 100 individuals.

Currently, there are no plans to eradicate the bat population within Grand Teton National Park. According to park spokesperson Emily Davis, devices fitted to buildings aim to prevent bats from re-entering after leaving in search of food.