Rabid Bat Found Near University of Washington

SEATTLE — A bat discovered on a crowded sidewalk close to the University of Washington has tested positive for rabies, prompting public health officials to advise anyone who may have touched it to seek medical attention promptly.

The rabid bat was located on Wednesday by Public Health – Seattle & King County, situated on University Way Northeast between Northeast 41st and Northeast 42nd streets, near Parrington Lawn on the UW campus. This area is bustling with various businesses.

The health department received several calls regarding the bat and instructed the public to reach out to animal control. The bat was euthanized by animal control on Thursday, and a positive rabies test result was confirmed on Friday.

Public Health officials clarified that those who reported the bat did not have direct contact with it, and so far, no additional exposures have been noted. However, they stressed that anyone who may have touched the bat—even without being bitten—could be at risk and should get evaluated medically or contact Public Health at 206-296-4774 to see if rabies preventive treatment is warranted.

“Rabies is treatable if caught before symptoms show up, so it’s crucial to identify anyone who’s had contact with the bat as quickly as possible,” said Jocelyn Mullins, Public Health veterinarian at Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Contact includes anything from touching a bat to bites or scratches, or any skin-to-skin contact with the bat or its saliva.”

Rabies is a severe disease that is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, yet it can be prevented if treatment is administered beforehand, according to Public Health.

Officials emphasized that anyone or any animal that has come into contact with the bat or its saliva could be at risk for rabies.

Public Health has also provided advice for those who encounter bats:

• If you see a bat outside, don’t touch it. If you believe the bat is ill, reach out to animal control.
• If a bat is inside your home, it’s wise to call 206-296-4774 to assess whether the bat should be subjected to rabies testing. The agency offers free rabies testing for bats under certain conditions.
• If a bat has avoided contact with people or pets, it’s best to open windows to let it exit, close off other rooms, and keep pets away from the area.
• If there’s had been direct contact with a person’s bare skin or a pet, or if someone wakes up with a bat in their sleeping area, the bat should be caught and may require rabies testing.
• Use a shovel or sturdy gloves to place a deceased bat in a box for testing, and avoid disposing of it improperly.