More Than 15 Michigan Counties Have Reported Rabies-Positive Bats So Far in 2026

It is easy to scroll past a local health alert and assume it is an isolated incident.

But when the Ottawa County Department of Public Health recently confirmed its first rabies-positive bat of the year, it joined a much larger statewide trend.

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According to the latest data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, there have already been 22 confirmed animal rabies cases in the state so far in 2026. Twenty-one of the cases have been bats, while the other was a skunk.

Tracking Rabies Cases Across West Michigan and Beyond

While Ottawa County is the latest to join the list, active cases have already been confirmed in several neighboring areas, including:

• Kent County: 1 confirmed case (recorded earlier in May)
• Newaygo County: 1 confirmed case
• Montcalm County: 1 confirmed case
• Calhoun County: 2 confirmed cases

Additionally, health officials have flagged multiple cases on the eastern side of the state, including high-population areas like Ingham and Oakland counties.

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Check the Live Michigan Rabies Tracking Map

To stay updated on active cases or to read the state's full safety guidelines, check out the official State of Michigan Rabies Information Page and the live Michigan Rabies Map.

With bats being highly active from May through September, keeping your guard up is important.

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Find a Bat? Here's What To Do

The good news is that rabies is entirely preventable if caught early. Because a bat's teeth are so small and sharp, bites can happen while you sleep without you even feeling it.

If you find a bat in your home:

• Do not let it go if it was found in a room with a sleeping person, an unattended child, or anyone unable to communicate.
• Contact your local health department immediately to see if the bat needs to be safely collected and tested. You can review the step-by-step instructions and video on How to Safely Capture a Bat on the CDC Prevention Page to make sure you do it without getting exposed.
• Vaccinate your pets. Keeping your dogs and cats (including indoor-only pets) fully vaccinated is your absolute best line of defense.