Bat season returns to Summit County with rabies reminder

Summit County Health Department is reminding residents to seek guidance after any direct contact with a bat, including a bite, scratch or waking up to find a bat in the room. Photo: Graham Holtshausen

Health officials say residents should seek guidance after any direct contact with a bat or wild animal

PARK CITY, Utah — As temperatures warm, the Summit County Health Department is reminding residents to take bat encounters seriously.

The department said it typically begins receiving more reports of bat encounters as the weather warms. Bats are the primary source of rabies in Utah, and while the risk from a single encounter is low, direct contact with a bat — including a bite, a scratch,, or waking up to find one in the room — should prompt residents to seek medical or public health guidance.

Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, making quick follow-up important after a possible exposure. Summit County Health said its team can help coordinate next steps with its epidemiology and environmental health divisions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says bat bites can be small and may not be obvious. Anyone bitten or scratched by a bat should wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical care right away. People who think they may have had contact with a bat should contact their local health department.

Utah health officials have also urged residents to avoid handling bats. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services says bats can spread rabies and should be avoided. Residents who have had contact with a bat or other wild animal can use the state’s online rabies exposure assessment tool or contact their local health department for guidance.

Summit County Health said residents should not attempt to capture or handle a bat or other wild animal themselves. General rabies information and exposure guidance are available through the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.