Bats, Animal Bites & Rabies:
Rabies is a serious, almost always fatal virus that can spread to humans through bites (and other exposures) from infected animals. Fortunately, in Washington State, Rabies is very rare and is only known to be carried by bats.
It is important you seek medical attention for all animal bites so that the medical provider can properly assess your risk of rabies exposure.
Bats – It is estimated that less than 1% of bats in the wild are infected with rabies. Humans and other mammals can be exposed to rabies through contact with rabid bats which is why you must seek immediate medical attention if you were bitten by or had any contact with a bat. If you are unsure about a bat exposure, call GCHD immediately at (509) 766-7960 or after hours at (509)-398-2083.
If you find a bat in your living space, do not touch the bat! Close the doors and windows to the room and wait until the bat lands on the floor or a wall. Wearing leather or other thick gloves, capture the bat in a can or box without touching it. Seal the container and call the GCHD immediately so we can help determine if any people or pets in your home may have been exposed to the bat and can arrange to test the bat for rabies, if needed.
Rabies testing is available through GCHD for bats that have contacted humans or for bats that are found inside a person’s living space. If your pet has been exposed to a bat, call your veterinarian so they can help arrange to test the bat for rabies.
Dogs, Cats and Ferrets that have bitten a human must be observed for 10 days to watch for signs of rabies. If a dog, cat or ferret becomes ill or dies within the 10-day observation, call GCHD immediately at (509)-766-7960 ext 0 or after hours at (509) 398-2083, rabies testing may be required. Dog bites should also be reported to the local animal control authority.