Officials urge residents to avoid contact with bats after the first confirmed rabies case of the year in St. Clair County.

County Health Officials Confirm Rabid Bat and Human Exposure

PORT HURON, Mich. — The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has confirmed the county’s first rabid bat of 2025, prompting renewed public warnings to avoid contact with wild animals.
According to a media release issued October 10, 2025, the infected bat was found locally and later tested positive for rabies by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)5933e44d-c4e7-40ab-9540-ef16b1f….

One individual was bitten and is receiving appropriate medical treatment. Health officials emphasized that any direct contact with a bat—whether a visible bite is present or not—should be considered a potential rabies exposure requiring immediate medical evaluation.

Rabies in Michigan: Low Incidence, High Risk

Each year, approximately 60 animals in Michigan test positive for rabies, according to the MDHHS, with bats accounting for nearly 90% of those cases5933e44d-c4e7-40ab-9540-ef16b1f….
While human rabies infections are rare in the United States—fewer than five cases annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—the virus remains nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear.

“Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive for the MDHHS, in a previous statement. “Vaccination for pets and prompt medical evaluation after exposure are key to prevention.” (Source: MDHHS Rabies Information Portal, 2024; )

Health Department Advises Caution Around Bats and Wildlife

The SCCHD urges residents to avoid handling bats or wild animals and to report all animal bites to both the Health Department and St. Clair County Animal Control at (810) 984-3155, as required by state law.

If a bat is found indoors—especially in a room with a sleeping person, child, or pet—health officials recommend capturing the bat safely for testing rather than releasing it.
Residents who have touched or been near a bat should immediately contact SCCHD at (810) 987-5300 (option 7) for guidance.

The CDC warns that a small percentage of bats carry rabies, but exposure can occur without visible injury because bat teeth are extremely fine. The agency advises washing any suspected wound with soap and water and seeking prompt medical care.

Protecting Pets: Vaccination is Critical

Pet owners are reminded to ensure dogs, cats, and ferrets are up to date on rabies vaccinations, which are mandated under Michigan law. Unvaccinated pets exposed to wildlife may face quarantine or euthanasia.

“Preventing rabies starts with responsible pet care,” said Alyse Nichols, SCCHD Public Information Officer. “Keeping vaccinations current is the best defense for both animals and their owners.”

Michigan Rabies Trends and Seasonal Risk

According to state health data, rabies cases peak during warmer months, when bat populations are more active. Michigan’s most affected counties in 2024 included Oakland, Genesee, and Kent, each reporting multiple rabid bats.
Public health experts note that St. Clair County’s early detection this year underscores the importance of public vigilance.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources continues to monitor wildlife vectors, while local animal control agencies collect specimens for testing through the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories.

How to Report and Learn More

Residents can report animal bites or possible rabies exposure by contacting:

St. Clair County Health Department – Communicable Disease Program: (810) 987-5300 (option 7)
St. Clair County Animal Control: (810) 984-3155

More information on rabies prevention and testing can be found on the MDHHS Rabies Information Page and the CDC Rabies Prevention Guide.

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