Health officials are notifying hundreds of individuals across multiple states and countries about potential rabies exposure linked to bat-infested cabins in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. The alert comes after the discovery of bats in several cabins at Jackson Lake Lodge over the past few months. As of now, none of the bats tested from the eight affected cabins have shown signs of rabies, according to Wyoming State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist.

Despite the negative test results, officials believe that the few dead bats collected represent only a small fraction of the population that may have inhabited the attic above the cabins. Many bats were removed from the cabins, but a significant number likely remained in the attic, prompting health officials to issue a precautionary warning. "What we’re really concerned about is people who saw bats in their rooms and people who might have had direct contact with a bat," Harrist stated.

The cabins have been closed since July 27, when the bat issue was first identified by the Grand Teton Lodge Company. Bats are known carriers of the rabies virus, which can be fatal once symptoms appear, including muscle aches and vomiting. However, Harrist noted that a five-shot prophylactic treatment administered shortly after exposure is highly effective in preventing the disease.

The cabins were opened for the summer season in May after being vacant during the winter months. Health officials estimate that up to 500 guests may have stayed in the cabins based on approximately 250 reservations made before the end of July. They are working to contact individuals who may have stayed in cabins 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 530 this year, reaching out through health agencies in 38 states and seven countries.

Visitors who have not yet been contacted but stayed in the affected cabins are urged to inform health officials or consult a doctor immediately. Prophylactic shots are recommended for certain individuals, particularly those who may have had direct contact with bats, such as deep sleepers or young children who may not have recognized the presence of a bat.

The Wyoming Department of Health has stated that there are no ongoing safety concerns for visitors in the Jackson Lake Lodge area, which will host a Federal Reserve economic policy symposium from August 21 to 23. Emily Curren, Wyoming’s public health veterinarian, praised the lodge company for their efforts to ensure visitor safety. "The lodge company has done a fantastic job of doing their due diligence of making sure everyone that is coming in for that, and for all other visits this year, are going to be as safe as possible," Curren said.

So far, three or four dead bats have tested negative for rabies, while one bat was too damaged to be tested. All bats found were brown bats, which are common in Wyoming and can belong to either of two species. These bats typically live in colonies ranging from 30 to 100 individuals. Curren emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the potential rabies risk, stating, "That’s a lot of bats that we cannot rule out a risk of rabies being in. There’s no way for us to know for certain about every single bat that got into these rooms."

There are currently no plans to exterminate the bats. Instead, devices have been installed to prevent them from re-entering the cabins after they have flown out.