Rabies Reemerges in Washtenaw County: What You Need to Know

In 2024, a rabid bat was discovered in Washtenaw County, marking the first time since 2019 that a positive rabies case has been identified in the area. The bat was found in the 48108 zip code and health officials have tested a total of 13 bats so far this year. Ailen Velazquez, the county epidemiology coordinator, explained that while there was a brief period without any rabies-positive animals, it is not uncommon to see bats with the disease in the county 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 the disease 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 1st, seven bats have tested positive for rabies in Michigan in 2024, with cases also reported in Wayne, Lapeer, and St. Clair counties.

Residents are advised to report any potential exposure to bats or animal bites online to determine if there was any risk of rabies exposure. Health officials suggest 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 their rabies vaccines.

DeJanay Booth-Singleton is a digital producer at CBS Detroit who covers various topics including crime, business