A bat discovered in Weber County has tested positive for rabies, prompting the Weber-Morgan Health Department to remind residents to avoid touching bats or other wild animals. Officials are also advising pet owners to ensure vaccinations remain up to date to prevent the spread of the fatal disease.
Recent positive rabies case
This is the first report of a positive bat in Weber County in 2026 and represents the fourth such case in Utah. Amy Carter, a communicable disease nurse with the Weber-Morgan Health Department, noted that the risk of contact with rabies increases as weather warms up.
Identifying signs of sick bats
While bats play an important role in the ecosystem and most are healthy, Carter stated that seeing a bat in daylight or in a place where humans or pets can reach it suggests a high chance of illness.
Understanding rabies transmission and risks
Rabies is a virus affecting the brain and nervous system that can be fatal if not treated properly. The virus spreads through exposure to the saliva of an infected animal. In Utah, bats are the most common carriers, though skunks, raccoons, foxes, and unvaccinated cats and dogs can also spread the disease. Under Utah law, cats and dogs must be vaccinated for rabies.
Safety recommendations for residents
To protect families and pets, health officials recommend keeping pet vaccinations current and staying away from wild animals. If an animal appears sick or injured, residents should contact local animal control.
Immediate medical response steps
If a person is bitten or scratched by a bat or wild animal, they should immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention. If possible, the bat should be safely contained so it can be sent to the Utah Division of Wildlife Services for testing.
Reporting encounters in sleeping areas
Any interaction with a bat found in a sleeping area must be reported, as these encounters are considered exposures due to the animal's ability to spread the virus through very small bites or scratches.
Carter emphasized that rabies is preventable and that vaccination saves time and heartache if a pet is involved in a biting incident or contacts a rabid animal.
For more information regarding rabies, individuals can visit the Utah Department of Health and Human Services website at epi.utah.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.
Local contacts for reporting biting incidents or stray wildlife include the Weber-Morgan Health Department at 801-399-7250, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at 801-476-2740, or local animal control and dispatch.
