As summer approaches and temperatures rise, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is warning residents about wild animals that may carry rabies. The most common carriers of rabies in our state are bats and skunks, but any mammal can be infected with rabies, including humans.

The first confirmed case of rabies for 2026 occurred in May in Sheridan County. A rabid bat was found in the backyard of a home in a downtown residential neighborhood. This highlights the need to stay alert outdoors, not just in the woods.

Humans and pets can become infected from bites and scratches of an animal with rabies. Rabies is not spread through the touch of an infected animal or its feces or urine.

Bat bites are not always visible. Anyone who has direct contact with a bat or who wakes up with a bat in their room should immediately contact a doctor or public health provider for assessment.

There were six confirmed cases of rabies in Wyoming animals last year. “Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease,” says Dr. Emily Curren, a state public health veterinarian with the WDH. She advises, “Anyone with potential exposure to a rabid animal should wash the wound thoroughly with warm water and soap, and seek medical advice about the need for rabies post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment.”

General Tips for preventing rabies:

Don’t touch or feed wild or stray animals.
Treat animal bites with soap and water and contact a medical professional immediately.
People waking to find a bat in their room or a child’s room should contact a medical professional immediately.
Vaccinate dogs, cats, ferrets, horses and other selected livestock for rabies and keep vaccinations up to date.

For more information about rabies exposure in Wyoming, please visit:

https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/rabies/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 1, 2026

Phone: 307-777-2438

The Wyoming Department of Health Reminds People to Prevent Mosquito Bites This Summer

Cheyenne, WY - June 1, 2026. The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites as we move into warmer months to prevent West Nile Virus (WNV) infection.

“Even if you don’t get bitten by mosquitoes often, one bite can still put you at risk of WNV infection,” said Courtney Tillman, Epidemiologist at the WDH. “It’s important that we all take steps to prevent mosquito bites and WNV infection.”

To protect yourself and your loved ones:

When spending time outdoors, use insect repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency that contain DEET, picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535. Always follow label instructions.
Wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants while outdoors.
Avoid outdoor activities during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes that spread WNV are most active.
Use tightly fitted screens on windows to keep mosquitoes out.
Remove standing water around your home to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Use larvicides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, in water that does not drain, including ornamental ponds and water features. Always follow product instructions.

Most people infected with WNV show no symptoms. Approximately one in five people will have mild symptoms, like fever, headache, and body aches. In rare cases, severe illness or death can occur, particularly in those over the age of 55 or with chronic health conditions.

Information from the WDH about WNV can be found at badskeeter.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Whooping Cough Continues Wyoming Spread

Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) officials are concerned about the ongoing, active spread of pertussis (whooping cough) across the state.

Kaylyn Friesen, vaccine-preventable disease epidemiologist with WDH, said there have been 26 confirmed pertussis cases in Wyoming so far this year. “While roughly two-thirds of the reported cases have been among Fremont County residents, pertussis has also been identified in other counties,” Friesen said.

Friesen noted that 148 cases were reported in Wyoming in 2025, the highest since 1951. “We are continuing to see outbreaks and high monthly case counts,” Friesen said.

Actual case numbers are likely higher because many illnesses are not recognized as pertussis, and others may not be reported. Pertussis typically begins with cold-like symptoms and perhaps a mild cough. Pertussis is often not suspected or diagnosed until a persistent cough with spasms develops after 1 to 2 weeks. Infants and children can cough violently and rapidly with a loud "whooping" sound.

Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer with WDH, said, “One-third of infants less than 1 year of age who become ill with pertussis need to be hospitalized, and we know, in some cases, it can be deadly for these babies. Pertussis in the youngest babies can cause them to have pauses in breathing. Infants are simply more vulnerable and don’t yet have all the protection pertussis vaccines offer.”

Harrist said the Tdap adolescent/adult pertussis booster vaccine is especially important for those spending time with new infants, such as parents, grandparents, and other people who take care of them. “Also, if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about a Tdap vaccine because that can also help protect newborns,” she said.

Harrist recommends that all residents stay up to date with pertussis vaccines, as those who still become ill with pertussis after vaccination are less likely to have a severe experience. “In addition, people should consider seeing a medical professional for antibiotics if they have symptoms consistent with pertussis,” she said.

More information about pertussis can be found online at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/infectious-disease-epidemiology-unit/disease/pertussis/.

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Organized in 1911, Platte County is a rural county in Wyoming. Our mission is to deliver high-level services for each of our citizens and visitors. The County Courthouse is located at 800 9th Street in Wheatland.

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