Hundreds exposed to rabies in Grand Teton National Park Bat-Aannempt Hutten
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A potential rabies outbreak has been reported in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, where hundreds of visitors may have been exposed to the virus while staying in bat-infested huts.
According to Wyoming Public Media (WPM), visitors from 38 states and seven countries are being contacted for potential exposure, along with park employees.
“The Grand Teton National Park staff is working closely with health authorities to address potential rabies exposure from bats at the Jackson Lake Lodge,” said Emily Davis, a spokesperson for the lodge, in an interview with Fox News.
A flying bat in a forest. (Istock/Getty Images Plus)
Davis also mentioned that the Wyoming Department of Health is leading the response efforts, contacting individuals who stayed in the affected huts between May 15 and 27 to assess their risk and provide rabies treatment if necessary.
Concerns Rise Over Potential Rabies Outbreak in Grand Teton National Park
The affected huts at Jackson Lake Lodge have reportedly housed at least 200 guests, with the lodge described as having “cottage-style hotel rooms,” according to WPM. The huts were closed on July 27 after eight reports of bat encounters since June.
Exterior of Jackson Lake Lodge in Moran, Wyoming. (AP Photo/Amber Baesler)
Rabies vaccinations are administered in a series and can be costly, with some treatments reaching up to $16,000, as reported by the Jackson Hole News & Guide.
No Positive Rabies Tests Among Bats Found in Lodge Huts
Despite no positive rabies tests among the bats found in the lodge huts, Wyoming State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist expressed concerns about the possibility of multiple bat colonies in the area, as reported by The Associated Press.
None of the bats tested positive for rabies. (Istock)
“Our main concern is individuals who had direct contact with bats or saw bats in their rooms,” said Harrist.
Preventing Rabies Transmission
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that bats are the most common carriers of rabies in the US, leading to numerous rabies-related deaths each year. It is important to avoid contact with bats and seek medical attention if exposure is suspected.
