Rabid Bat Found Near Washington Park Arboretum – Health Warning
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Rabies Alert: Bat Found near Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum
Table of Contents
SEATTLE –
Details of the Rabies Case
A rabid bat was found on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, on Boyer avenue East near Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum. The bat was initially discovered after a resident found a note indicating a previous sighting and contacted Public Health – Seattle & King County.
Even if a bite or scratch is not apparent, anyone who may have had contact with the bat should seek a medical evaluation immediately. public health advises contacting them directly at 206-296-4774 to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – preventive rabies treatment – is necessary.
Understanding the Risk of Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.The virus is typically transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through a bite or scratch. According to the Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC),rabies is rare in the United States due to widespread vaccination of domestic animals.
However, bats are the leading cause of rabies transmission to humans in the United States. this is because bats have small teeth and bites may go unnoticed. The CDC notes that any bat found in a situation where human or domestic animal contact is possible should be considered a potential rabies carrier.
While rabies can be fatal, it is 100% preventable with prompt medical attention. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) involves a series of rabies vaccine and,in some cases,rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) injections. The sooner PEP is administered after exposure, the more effective it is indeed.
What to do If You Find a Bat
Public Health - Seattle & King County provides specific guidance on handling potential rabies exposures involving bats. If you find a dead bat,do not throw it away. Rather, use a shovel or gloves to carefully place it in a box for testing.
For information on safely capturing a bat in your home and avoiding bat encounters, visit the King County public Health website on bats and rabies. This resource details safe capture techniques and preventative measures.
Here’s a speedy guide:
- If bitten or scratched: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 10-15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
- If you wake up to a bat in your room: assume you may have been bitten while sleeping and seek medical advice.
- If you find a dead bat: Do not handle it directly. Contact Public Health for instructions on testing.