SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — A bat found in Spokane County has recently tested positive for rabies, according to the Spokane Regional Health District.
SRHD says this is the first rapid bat reported in Spokane County and the second in the state this year.
According to SRHD, a county resident submitted the bat for rabies testing after someone was exposed to the bat.
The bat was taken to the Washington State Public Health Laboratory for testing. The bat was confirmed to have tested positive for rabies on July 3.
Rabies affects the central nervous system and can be fatal if left untreated. Any mammal, including humans, can get rabies. SRHD said bats are the only animals in the state known to carry rabies.
The three people exposed to the bat are in the process of receiving rabies post exposure treatment.
All dogs, cats and ferrets in Washington are required to be vaccinated against rabies and re-vaccinated following veterinary instructions.
SRHD said you can help prevent your pet’s contact with bats by bringing pets into the house at night, keeping all doors and windows closed or screened and closing pet doors to prevent pets from going outside or bringing a bat inside the house.
If you pet does catch a bat, make sure to wash any bite wounds on the pet with soap and water while wearing gloves, contact your vet for a rabies booster and contact SRHD at 509-324-150 extension 7 for additional instructions.
When bats are found on your property, make sure to contact SRHD and your healthcare provider when people or pets have contact with the bat, the bat is found in a room or had access to a room while someone was sleeping, a bat is found in a room with a child, or a bat is found in a room with a person who is under the influence or has other sensory or mental impairments.
For more information on bats and rabies, click here.
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