Rabid Bat Found Near Seattle: Public Health Urges Caution

On Tuesday, a rabid bat was discovered on a residential road close to Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum, raising alarms about potential rabies exposure in the area. Residents are urged to take immediate action if they suspect they may have come into contact with the bat, even if they were not bitten. Public Health – Seattle & King County advises anyone who may have interacted with the bat to seek a medical evaluation without delay. They can also call 206-296-4774 for guidance on whether preventive rabies treatment is necessary.

Rabies is a serious viral infection that can be fatal if not treated promptly. It is critical to note that while rabies can be deadly, it is preventable if caught early, before symptoms manifest. The bat was initially found at 1726 Boyer Avenue East, after a resident reported that two individuals had given the animal water. The following day, animal control euthanized the bat, and subsequent testing confirmed it was rabid.

As of now, the two individuals who interacted with the bat have not been identified, and no further exposures have been reported. However, Public Health officials stress that any person or animal that has touched or had contact with the bat or its saliva could be at risk for rabies—a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Elysia Gonzales, a Medical Epidemiologist at Public Health – Seattle & King County, emphasizes the urgency of the situation: “Contact includes touching a bat, being bitten, scratched, or any other bare skin contact with a bat or its saliva.”

Pet owners should also take precautions. If a pet has had contact with the bat, it is essential to consult a veterinarian immediately. Even pets that are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations may need to be revaccinated if exposed.

For those who encounter a bat, it is important to exercise caution. If you see a bat outside, do not attempt to touch it; instead, contact animal control. If a bat is found inside your home, call Public Health at the same number for further instructions. Open windows to allow bats to exit freely if they have not interacted with humans or pets, and keep doors closed to other areas of the house.

In cases where a bat has had direct contact with a person or pet, or if someone wakes up to find a bat in their room, the bat may need to be captured for rabies testing. If you must handle a dead bat, use gloves or a shovel to place it in a box for testing, and do not dispose of it in the trash.

For more detailed information on how to safely interact with bats and what steps to take if you find one in your home, please refer to local health resources. Staying informed and vigilant can help prevent the spread of rabies and ensure the safety of both humans and pets.