8 bats captured throughout Utah test positive for rabies

Utah officials say eight bats found throughout the state have tested positives for rabies, and they are urging residents to take precautions by keeping their pet’s and livestock’s rabies vaccinations up to date.

State Epidemiologist Dallin Peterson says the eight bats with rabies were captured in Sanpete, Davis, Salt, Cache and Utah counties. The Utah Public Health Laboratory in Taylorsville confirmed the latest rabies case Thursday.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rabies virus can attack the nervous system and cause brain damage. Fatalities are common after the host begins to show symptoms.

Assistant State Veterinarian Chelsea Crawford says people should take any potential exposure of rabies seriously.