Aug. 30, 2022

Kitsap bat tests positive for rabies; learn how to prevent rabies exposure

Bats are the only animals in Washington that regularly test positive for rabies. Avoid touching bats and teach children to never touch bats. 

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — A bat captured after potentially having contact with a Kitsap County resident last week tested positive for rabies. 

The positive rabies test — the first reported in Kitsap this year and the fifth in Washington state — is a reminder to avoid touching bats and to know the steps to take if you have contact with a bat.

Bats are the only animals that regularly test positive for rabies in Washington state. Less than 1% of bats are believed to have rabies, but rabid bats are reported every year.

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that is carried in saliva and spread through animal bites or scratches. People who are exposed to a potentially rabid animal can prevent rabies by seeking prompt medical treatment. Rabies infection almost always causes death in people who do not receive preventative treatment.

KITSAP RESIDENT ACTED QUICKLY

The Kitsap bat that tested positive last week was captured by a resident who found the animal in their home. The resident was concerned that they might have been bitten by the bat and called Kitsap Public Health District, which sent the bat to a lab for rabies testing. 

After test results came back positive, the resident started postexposure prophylaxis — a series of potentially lifesaving shots that prevent rabies. 

"Fortunately, this community member took the right steps to have this bat tested and start treatment," Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said. “Rabies is preventable with timely treatment, but deaths are still reported and can occur if people don’t seek care.”

Kitsap Public Health has submitted 15 bats for rabies testing this year. In 2021, 21 bats from Kitsap were tested with one positive result. See our interactive dashboard for more rabies statistics. 

RABIES RESOURCES Download our Bats & Rabies fact sheet and find detailed guidance here:  Kitsap Public Health District Washington State Department of Health CDC

PREVENT RABIES EXPOSURE

• Avoid contact with bats and never touch a bat with bare hands.
• Teach children never to touch bats, and to tell an adult if they find a bat at home, at school or with a pet.
• Keep bats out of your house by "bat-proofing" your home.
• Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance — do not approach or attempt to feed wild animals.
• Do not attempt to pick up a sick or injured bat or other animal.
• Vaccinate your pets. Contact your veterinarian to learn about rabies vaccination. 

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE HAS CONTACT WITH A BAT

If someone has bare skin contact with a bat, or might have had contact with a bat:

• If possible, attempt to safely capture the bat for rabies testing
• Wash the bite, scratch, or contact area immediately with soap and water for at least 10 minutes
• Contact a healthcare provider and/or Kitsap Public Health District for guidance
• If you think your pet was exposed to rabies, contact your veterinarian

HOW TO SAFELY CAPTURE A BAT FOR TESTING Video Fact sheet

PROTECTING BATS AND YOUR HEALTH

Bats play an important role in ecosystems around the world. Fifteen at species of bat can be found in Washington state. You can protect bats and your health by appreciating bats from a safe distance and bat-proofing your home. Find more tips and information:

• Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife
• Bat Conservation International
• Bats Northwest

MEDIA CONTACT: pio@kitsappublichealth.org