Unwelcome Guests: Bat Colony Invades Hotel, Sparks Urgent Rabies Alert for 200 Unsuspecting Patrons

A tranquil New Hampshire hotel turned into an unexpected public health hotspot when a significant bat colony was discovered nesting within its walls, triggering a frantic search for approximately 200 guests who may have been unknowingly exposed to rabies.

The alarming revelation came after a guest reported a bat in their room at the unnamed hotel. Subsequent investigations by state health officials uncovered a larger infestation. While most bats are harmless, some were captured and tested, with results confirming the presence of rabies, a universally fatal disease if left untreated.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued an urgent plea, reaching out to anyone who stayed at the hotel between mid-May and mid-July 2024. The concern is that guests might have had close, unnoticed contact with rabid bats. Unlike more obvious animal encounters, a bat bite can be incredibly subtle, even feeling like a pinprick or going entirely unnoticed, especially if it occurs during sleep.

Rabies, transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, attacks the central nervous system. Once symptoms appear—which can include fever, headache, muscle weakness, and then rapidly progress to neurological dysfunction, paralysis, and death—survival is virtually impossible. This makes prompt medical intervention, known as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), absolutely critical.

PEP involves a series of vaccinations and, in some cases, an injection of rabies immune globulin near the exposure site. This treatment is highly effective if administered soon after exposure, before the virus has a chance to take hold in the body. The DHHS emphasizes that even if guests did not see a bat in their room, the mere presence of a colony with confirmed rabid individuals necessitates immediate consultation with a healthcare provider.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers wildlife can pose, even in seemingly benign environments. Authorities are working tirelessly to identify and contact all potentially exposed individuals, stressing that time is of the essence in preventing a tragic outcome. If you or someone you know stayed at a New Hampshire hotel between May 15 and July 17, 2024, and have concerns about potential bat exposure, please contact the New Hampshire DHHS or your healthcare provider without delay.