Potential Rabies Exposure Linked to Bat Infestation at Wyoming Park Cabins

In a recent health alert, authorities have raised concerns over a possible rabies exposure affecting hundreds of visitors at Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. The incident involves bat infestations discovered in eight cabins at the Jackson Lake Lodge, where up to 500 people stayed between May and late July. The cabins have been cordoned off since July 27, following the detection of the bat infestation. Although initial testing of bats collected from the cabins has not identified any cases of rabies—three or four tested negative and one was unsuitable for testing—experts believe that many more bats likely inhabited the attic spaces above these structures.

Rabies, which is almost invariably deadly once symptoms manifest, can present with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, vomiting, and itching. Fortunately, early post-exposure prophylaxis with a series of five rabies shots over two weeks is highly effective in preventing the development of the disease. The primary concern for health officials is individuals who may have come into direct contact with bats or noticed bats in their rooms. These individuals require immediate medical evaluation to determine if rabies prophylaxis is necessary.

Health officials are actively reaching out to those who stayed in specific cabins—516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 530—across the United States and several other countries. Anyone who visited these cabins and has not been contacted should seek medical advice without delay. Children and individuals who sleep deeply might be at higher risk if they unknowingly were bitten, as they might not be aware of any bites.

To prevent future issues, the Grand Teton Lodge Company has closed the affected cabins and installed devices to prevent bats from re-entering the buildings. Park officials have clarified that there are no plans to cull the local bat populations, which naturally live in colonies typically numbering 30 to 100 bats.

Importantly, visitors to the park who stayed outside the affected cabins or during other times are not at risk. Park and health officials have emphasized the safety measures taken and the importance of prompt medical attention for those potentially exposed. For more information on rabies, consult resources such as the Mayo Clinic.

For the full story, see source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-hundreds-exposed-rabies-wyoming-cabins.html