Rabies Risk at Grand Teton Cabins Triggers Nationwide Health Notifications

Published Time: 08-16-2025, 18:00

Health officials are warning hundreds of visitors who stayed in bat-infested cabins at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming that they may have been exposed to rabies. The alerts cover guests from dozens of U.S. states and multiple countries following reports of bats in eight cabins at Jackson Lake Lodge over the past few months.

While none of the bats tested positive for rabies, authorities emphasize that even a single bite or scratch from an infected bat can transmit the virus, and precautions are being taken to ensure public safety.

Health Officials Take Precautionary Action

As of Friday, no bats collected from the affected cabins had tested positive for rabies, according to Dr. Alexia Harrist, Wyoming State Health Officer. However, she noted that only a small number of bats had been collected for testing, while the majority remained in the attic above the cabins.

“People who saw bats in their rooms or had direct contact with a bat are our main concern,” Harrist said. She emphasized that bats can bite or scratch while visitors sleep, often going unnoticed.

To prevent potential exposure, Wyoming health authorities are reaching out to individuals who stayed in cabins 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, and 530 this year. Health alerts are being coordinated across 38 U.S. states and seven countries, with international visitors contacted through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cabins Closed Until Further Notice

Grand Teton Lodge Company, the concessionaire managing Jackson Lake Lodge, discovered the bat problem on July 27. Since then, the affected cabins have remained unoccupied, and there are no plans to reopen them until the issue is resolved.

Officials estimate that roughly 500 people stayed in the cabins this summer, based on about 250 reservations between May and late July. Health authorities are recommending rabies prophylaxis for individuals at higher risk, including those who found a bat in their room, deep sleepers, and young children who may not have noticed bat activity.

Rabies Risks and Preventive Measures

Bats are a common vector for the rabies virus, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Early signs can include muscle aches, vomiting, and itching. Fortunately, post-exposure prophylaxis—a five-shot regimen administered over two weeks—effectively prevents illness when given promptly.

Emily Curren, Wyoming’s public health veterinarian, stressed the importance of timely action. “The lodge company has done a fantastic job ensuring everyone visiting this year is as safe as possible,” Curren said.

Three or four dead bats collected from the cabins tested negative, while one that was damaged did not have sufficient brain tissue for testing. The bats involved were brown bats, which exist in both “little” and “big” species in Wyoming. Colonies typically number 30 to 100 bats, and authorities noted it is impossible to determine the health status of every individual bat that entered the cabins.

Managing the Bat Population

There are no plans to exterminate the bats, according to Grand Teton National Park spokesperson Emily Davis. Instead, devices installed on the building prevent bats from re-entering after leaving to feed on insects. Officials say the approach balances public safety with wildlife conservation, ensuring the bats remain outside living spaces while avoiding lethal measures.

Public Safety and Upcoming Events

Despite the alerts, officials clarified that there is no ongoing concern for visitors in the broader Jackson Lake Lodge area. The annual Federal Reserve economic policy symposium, scheduled for August 21–23, is expected to proceed safely.

Dr. Harrist encouraged anyone who stayed in the affected cabins and has not yet been contacted to reach out to state health departments or a healthcare provider. “It’s better to be safe and get evaluated for post-exposure prophylaxis if there’s any chance of contact with bats,” she said.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are prioritizing communication with all potentially exposed guests to ensure public health remains protected.