A bat from Whatcom County tested positive for rabies after being sent to the state public health lab. This is the first confirmed rabies specimen in the county for 2024. Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) is reminding everyone to take steps to protect themselves from rabies.
Bats are the primary carrier of rabies in Washington State. Between 3-10% of bats submitted for testing in Washington State are found to have rabies. Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a bat should take prompt action to protect themselves from disease by immediately cleaning the site of the bite with soap and water, capturing the bat safely if possible, calling their health care provider, and calling WCHCS at (360)778-6000.
Rabies infection can occur when people are bitten by a rabid animal or have contact with the infected animal’s saliva through a break in their skin or mucus membrane. The rabies virus attacks the nervous system, and once symptoms appear, the disease is nearly always fatal. However, rabies in humans is 100% preventable with prompt medical care including a series of shots that contain the rabies vaccine.
WCHCS will help determine if anyone may have been bitten or scratched by the bat and if it should be tested for rabies. Never touch or handle a bat without protective equipment.
If you need assistance capturing the bat, contact the Whatcom Humane Society’s Animal Control services at (360)733-2080.
If you find a bat outside, leave it alone. Bats are very important to our environment and a protected species in Washington State.
To avoid bats:
- Never handle, feed or play with bats.
- Teach children to avoid bats and to tell an adult if they have any contact with a bat.
- Keep pets away from bats and make sure your pet has a current rabies vaccination.
- Prevent bats from entering your home by making sure that windows and doors are properly screened.
For more information, including how to safely capture a bat found in your house, please see WCHCS website at: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3256/Bats-Rabies
