How Concerned should Michigan residents be? 

The rabies virus is present across the United States. People in Michigan are as much at risk as anywhere else in the country. As rabid animals often have a lessened fear of humans, people and their pets in the city are not safe from contracting the virus. However, it is up to you to reduce your own risk, as well as the risk posed to children, pets, and livestock.

Bats are the predominant carriers of the rabies virus. From 1993-1997, 89-100% of the annual reported rabies cases in Michigan were found in bats. Although this number reflects less that 1.5% of the bat population, and most individuals will never have contact with a rabid bat, any direct contact with a bat should be considered to be a potential rabies exposure.

Rabies is very serious and extreme caution should be taken whenever dealing with possible exposure. But common sense and education may be the best weapons an individual can use in preventing the spread of the rabies virus.