Rabid bat found in Seattle near the University of Washington

Who is at risk

Any person or animal that touched or had contact with the bat or its saliva could be at risk of getting rabies, which is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. Fortunately, rabies can be prevented if treatment is given before symptoms appear.

"Rabies is treatable if caught before symptoms appear, so identifying anyone who has had contact with the bat as soon as possible is important," said Jocelyn Mullins, Public Health Veterinarian at Public Health – Seattle & King County. "Contact includes touching a bat, being bitten or scratched, or having any other bare skin contact with a bat or its saliva."

Rabies and pets

If your pet might have had contact with this bat, contact your veterinarian immediately. Dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses should be current on their rabies vaccine but will need to be revaccinated if they had contact with a bat. The best way to prevent rabies in pets is to ensure they are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations.

More about rabies

Rabies is dangerous, but it can be prevented if treatment is given before symptoms develop.

• If someone has had contact with a bat, treatment can prevent infection. This treatment should be given as soon as possible.
• Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system that is almost always fatal once symptoms begin.
• The virus is found in the saliva of an animal with rabies and is usually transmitted by a bite or scratch. Because rabies is a life-threatening disease, medical advice must be sought promptly if a bat comes into contact with humans or animals.