Hundreds of people may have been exposed to rabies while staying in an infected cabin with a Wyoming bat Grand Teton National Park.
The potentially affected visitors reportedly came from 38 states and seven countries. Wyoming Public Media (WPM). This made it clear that employees were also contacted about possible exposure.
“Grand Teton National Park Staff are working closely with the NPS Health and Health Department, Wyoming Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Grand Teton Lodge Company to address potential guest exposures to bats at Jackson Lake Lodge.
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Davis added that the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) will lead the response to contact individuals who stayed in affected rooms between May 15th and July 27th to “see if they meet the risk criteria for receiving rabies prevention treatment.”
According to WPM, the cabin injected with the bat was found at Jackson Lake Lodge, which could have affected at least 200 guests. The outlet describes the lodge as “cottage-style hotel rooms.” Following eight reports of bat run-ins since June, the cabin was closed on July 27, WPM reported.
The rabies vaccine will be delivered in a series, with a cost range of up to $16,000. Jackson Hole News & Guide.
Bats found in parts of the Jackson Lake Rodge Cabin had not tested positive for rabies as of Friday. Associated Press. But Wyoming Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harist told the Associated Press that the bats tested represent only small samples of what could potentially colonize the attic.
“What we’re really worried about is people who saw bats and people who might have had direct contact with the bats and bats in the room,” Harris told the Associated Press.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out that bats are the most frequently reported animal of rabies in the United States and are the leading cause of rabies-related deaths nationwide. The CDC warns against touching bats and advises people to seek medical attention if there is a possibility that people have come into contact with one.
