Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) has confirmed the first rabies-positive bat in Thurston County and the third rabid bat identified in Washington State for 2024.
The bat tested positive for rabies on July 31.
According to the public health agency, rabies cannot be detected by simply looking at a bat.
Both living and dead bats can transmit the virus if handled.
To minimize the risk of rabies exposure, PHSS advised the public to avoid handling bats, whether alive or dead, ensure pets avoid contact with bats and keep their rabies vaccinations up to date, and be careful when capturing a bat if it wanders into your home or near a child and submit the bat for testing.
For further guidance on the safe capturing or handling of bats, click here for a pdf.
If you suspect that you or someone in your family has had contact with a bat, or has been bitten or scratched, immediately wash the area with soap and water, then contact your healthcare provider.
During business hours, reach out to PHSS at (360) 867-2667.
For after-hours assistance, contact WA Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or call 911 in case of a medical emergency.
For additional information on rabies prevention, bat-proofing your home, and pet vaccinations, visit the Washington State Department of Health indoor bat capture webpage, Department of Health rabies vaccination webpage, and Department of Fish and Wildlife bat information e-pdf.
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