Guilford County Confirms 13th Rabies Case of 2026 After Greensboro Bat Tests Positive

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Guilford County health officials are warning residents after a bat found on Westminster Drive in Greensboro tested positive for rabies on Sept. 15.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health says the case is the county's 13th confirmed animal rabies case of 2026. It follows the county's 12th case, involving a cat on Bailiff Street in Greensboro, which was announced one day earlier.

County officials are reminding residents that North Carolina law requires cats, dogs and ferrets four months and older to have current rabies vaccinations. Officials also recommend supervising pets outdoors and avoiding direct contact with wildlife, whether alive or dead.

Anyone bitten by an animal should immediately wash the area with soap and water, seek medical attention and report the bite to local animal control officers. Guilford County Animal Services can provide additional rabies-prevention information.