First Case of Rabies Confirmed in Larimer County

We hear about rabid animals being found quite often, especially in the state of Colorado. Thankfully, the only experience I have ever had with rabies is from the Stephen King movie Cujo.

Larimer County Confirms First Rabies Case of 2026

The disease itself is a horror movie on its own. The 1981 movie made the rabies disease all the more terrifying. According to KDVR, the first reported case of rabies out of Larimer County has been confirmed.

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The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment captured a bat that was located in northeast Fort Collins, from an open space near the Adrial Hills neighborhood.

Thankfully, no reports of exposure to humans from the bat or the rabies disease have been reported at this time.

Rabies Is Deadly But Preventable With Quick Treatment

Rabies is a deadly virus that can spread to humans through the saliva of an infected animal. Rabies can be prevented if the rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin are administered immediately after exposure to the disease.

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However, if an animal or human is not quickly treated, once the neurological symptoms start to appear, the disease is almost always fatal with a minimal chance of survival. Colorado residents are advised to protect themselves by avoiding contact with wildlife. Dogs, cats, pets, livestock, and horses should be up to date on rabies vaccines according to Colorado health officials to help mitigate the risk of the spread of rabies.

Anyone who encounters or comes into contact with a wild animal that is showing signs of rabies should report the incident to NOCO Humane Animal Protection and Control at 970-226-3647, extension 7. More information on rabies can be found at larimer.gov.