The Washtenaw County Health Department has recently reported instances of bats testing positive for rabies. Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease, and occurs in humans when they are bitten or scratched by wild animals such as bats, skunks and foxes.
There are some simple but important steps that you should take if you encounter a bat inside your home.
- Leave the room and close the door behind you.
- Arrange to have the bat captured, and if an exposure occurred, tested for rabies.
- If you live in a U-M residence hall, please let your hall director know, and contact the Plant Operations Call Center for pest removal - 734-647-2059.
- If you live in an off-campus property please contact your landlord to arrange for an animal control contractor to capture the bat and have it tested.
- If you believe an exposure has occurred, please contact University Health Service (734-764-8320, available 24 hours a day). They will provide guidance on whether treatment is needed and appropriate next steps.
For full details on the guidance from the Washtenaw County Health Department, please visit this page.