Dozens of Utahns seek rabies treatment following bat encounters in Idaho, warning issued

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) -- In the past two months, dozens of Utah residents traveled to Idaho where they were in close proximity to bats, prompting a public warning from local health officials.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services said dozens of Utahns from across the state visited Idaho and either slept in a cabin with bats or had direct contact with one. They are now currently being evaluated or getting preventative treatment for rabies.

Rabies -- a highly fatal disease

Due to the fatal risk of contracting rabies -- even without knowing it -- Utah health authorities released a public service announcement warning Utahns to be aware of a few things.

First, health officials are reminding residents that while it is a small percentage, bats are still the most common carriers of rabies, a disease that is