Location & Timeline:: The bat was found on July 15 on the sidewalk between NE 41st and NE 42nd streets near Parrington Lawn on the UW campus. It was euthanized on July 16, and the positive rabies test came back on July 17.
No Known Exposures:: As of the latest reports, no human or animal contact with the bat has been confirmed. Callers who reported the bat did not touch it.
Why This Matters:: Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but it is entirely preventable with prompt post-exposure treatment. The busy university-area location increases the risk of undetected contact.
Expert Statement:: Dr. Jocelyn Mullins, Public Health Veterinarian, emphasized that contact includes touching, biting, scratching, or any bare skin exposure to a bat or its saliva.
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites or scratches. Once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. However, rabies is uniquely preventable through post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) —a series of vaccinations administered promptly after exposure.
The bat was found on University Way Northeast, a high-traffic corridor lined with restaurants, shops, and student housing adjacent to the University of Washington campus. With thousands of students, faculty, and visitors passing through daily, the potential for unrecognized exposure is significant. Public Health officials acted swiftly by issuing a public alert and testing the bat at no charge.
Bats are the most common source of rabies in Washington state. According to the Washington State Department of Health, bats account for virtually all locally acquired human rabies cases in the United States. While human rabies is rare, bat exposures often go unnoticed because bat bites can be small and painless.
Pets that may have had contact with a rabid bat face serious risk. Dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses should be up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. If exposure is suspected, pet owners should contact a veterinarian immediately. Vaccinated pets that come into contact with a rabid animal typically require a booster shot.
Do not touch the bat.: If outdoors and concerned, call animal control.
If indoors:: Open windows to let the bat leave, close doors to other rooms, and secure pets away from the area.
If direct contact occurred: (bare skin, sleeping in a room with a bat), capture the bat using thick gloves or a shovel, place it in a box, and contact Public Health at **206-296-4774** to arrange testing—at no charge under certain circumstances.
Never throw away a dead bat: that may have been in contact with people or pets.
What should I do if I touched the bat?
Seek medical evaluation immediately or call Public Health at 206-296-4774. Even without a visible bite, treatment can prevent rabies if given before symptoms develop.
How is rabies transmitted?
Rabies spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via bites or scratches. Contact with bare skin or mucous membranes can also transmit the virus.
Is rabies treatable?
Yes, but only if treatment is given before symptoms appear. Once symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal. Post-exposure prophylaxis is highly effective when administered promptly.
What about my pets?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet may have had contact with the bat. Ensure pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets that are exposed will need a booster shot.
Does Public Health test bats for rabies?
Yes, Public Health tests bats for rabies at no charge under certain circumstances. Call 206-296-4774 to determine if testing is needed.
Act Fast:: If you or a family member had any physical contact with a bat—even without a bite—seek medical evaluation right away. Time is critical for rabies prevention.
Know the Signs:: Symptoms of rabies in humans include fever, headache, excess salivation, muscle spasms, confusion, and paralysis. Do not wait for symptoms; treatment must begin before they appear.
Protect Your Pets:: Keep dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. This is the single most effective prevention measure for animals.
Safe Bat Handling:: Never touch a bat with bare hands. If you need to capture one for testing, use thick gloves or a shovel and place it in a sealed container.
Who This Affects Most:: University students, faculty, and residents in the University District who frequent the area near Parrington Lawn and University Way should remain vigilant.
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