News Summary
Kent County health officials have confirmed the first rabies-positive bat of the year in the 49504 zip code area, advising residents to exercise caution. The advisory emphasizes the importance of awareness and safety measures surrounding potential bat contact. Health officials recommend that if there’s uncertainty of contact with a bat, it should be tested for rabies, highlighting the risks to humans and pets. Keeping pets vaccinated against rabies is also encouraged to prevent exposure risks during this season when bats seek winter roosts.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Kent County health officials have confirmed the county’s first rabies-positive bat of the year, prompting an advisory for residents to exercise caution around bats. The bat was found in the 49504 zip code, which is located northwest of Grand Rapids. The advisory was issued on September 18, 2025, as part of the ongoing efforts to protect public health amidst concerns related to rabies transmission.
Rabies is a serious and lethal disease that can be spread to both humans and pets through bites or scratches from infected animals. The disease’s fatal nature has made it essential for residents to remain vigilant, especially during the fall months when bats begin their search for winter roosts, often leading them into homes or other buildings.
Health officials are recommending that if there is any uncertainty regarding potential contact between a bat and a person or pet, the bat should be tested for rabies. This is critical because bites from bats can be difficult to notice due to the small size of their teeth; individuals may not realize they have been bitten, especially if it occurs while they are sleeping.
Guidelines for Bat Capture and Testing
To safely capture a bat for testing, individuals are advised to wear gloves, long sleeves, and pants. Officials recommend using a container along with a piece of cardboard to facilitate the capture process. Residents who require assistance or risk assessments regarding potential bat encounters should reach out to the Kent County Health Department at 616-632-7228.
Risks to Pets and Preventative Measures
According to Angela Hollinshead, director of Kent County Animal Shelter, even indoor pets are at risk of rabies if a bat enters the home. As such, it is crucial for pet owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies. Keeping vaccinations up to date is a straightforward and effective way to protect pets and, by extension, households.
Over the last five years, Kent County has seen 15 rabies-positive animals, with two reported last year in addition to this year’s case. On a broader scale, Michigan has documented a total of 32 rabid bats in 2025 thus far. With these statistics in mind, it becomes increasingly important for residents to take precautions to prevent rabies exposure.
Best Practices for Residents
Residents are strongly discouraged from touching wild animals and are encouraged to take proactive steps to secure their homes, preventing wildlife from gaining entry. By doing so, they can help mitigate the risk of rabies transmission.
In summary, Kent County health officials have issued important safety advisories following the detection of a rabies-positive bat in the area. Public diligence regarding animal contact, home security, and pet vaccinations is essential for safeguarding community health and preventing the spread of this preventable yet deadly disease.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- MLive
- Wikipedia: Rabies
- WOOD TV
- Google Search: Rabies Bats Kent County
- Grand Haven Tribune
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rabies
- WWMT
- Google Scholar: Rabies Prevention
- CBS News
- Google News: Rabies Bats Michigan
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
