Multiple Rabid Bats Found Around Lansing, Michigan

Dozens of bats have tested positive for rabies across Michigan this year - many of them concentrated in central and southern regions of the state.

You or your pets or livestock could be at risk, especially if your animals aren't vaccinated.

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What Is Rabies?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies is a viral disease spread from animals to other animals and humans that causes progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent the spread of rabies, according to the WHO.

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What Animals Can Get Rabies in Michigan?

While it's possible for almost any animal to be infected with rabies, it's usually bats and skunks that carry the disease in Michigan.

What Parts of Michigan Have Rabid Bats?

Ingham County has reported the most rabid bats (5), followed by Bay County (4). Multiple bats carrying the rabies virus have been found in Barry, Clinton and Oakland Counties as well, with single cases reported in Berrien, Charlevoix, Gratiot, Kalkaska, Lenawee, Livingston, Saginaw, and St. Joseph Counties.

RELATED: How to Safely Remove Bats From Your Home in Michigan

In the Metro Detroit area, rabies is more often detected in skunks - Macomb County has reported 10 rabid skunks this year, with 3 in Wayne County and another in Oakland County. Oakland County has also reported one rabid cat.

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What to Do If You Suspect A Rabid Bat Has Bitten You or Your Pet

Humans who are bitten should wash the affected area with soap and water, then flush the wound for at least 15 minutes, according to the WHO. It's recommended to put iodine on the wound (if available), but don't put any gauze or bandages over it. Seek health care immediately.

The MDHHS says "you cannot tell if an animal has rabies by looking at it, but animals with rabies may behave strangely or in ways you don't expect." The best thing you can do is confine the animal away from humans and other animals and contact animal control as soon as possible if you suspect the animal may have contracted rabies.

Animals in Which Rabies is Most Commonly Found

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in North America rabies is most commonly found in bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and mongoose. It is also found in cats, cattle, and dogs. The CDC says that rabid bats have been found in every state except for Hawaii. Rabid mongoose have been found in Puerto Rico.

Rabies is easily transmitted from animals to other animals, including human beings. Human cases are rare in the United States, but deadly if not caught in time.