A rabid bat was found Tuesday, July 28 at Gene Coulon Park in Renton, and anyone who may have had physical contact with it should seek medical evaluation immediately, according to Public Health – Seattle & King County.
The bat was found Tuesday on the sidewalk at the south end of the park, near the playground, south shelter and park restrooms, Public Health said. The agency said anyone who touched the bat, even if they were not bitten, could be at risk and should call Public Health at 206-296-4774 to determine whether rabies preventive treatment is needed.
“Rabies is treatable if it’s caught before symptoms begin, so it’s important to identify anyone who has had contact with the bat as soon as possible,” said Jocelyn Mullins, veterinarian at Public Health, Seattle & King County. “Contact includes touching a bat, being bitten or scratched, or having any other bare skin touch a bat or its saliva.”
Members of the public first identified the bat July 28 and reported it to park staff, who notified Public Health. The bat was euthanized by an animal control agency that day, and Public Health received a positive rabies test result July 29.
No people are known to have had direct contact with the bat so far, according to Public Health.
Any person or animal that touched or had contact with the bat or its saliva could be at risk of getting rabies, Public Health said. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin, but it can be prevented if treatment is given before symptoms appear.
Pet owners whose animals may have had contact with the bat should contact a veterinarian immediately, according to Public Health. Dogs, cats, ferrets and horses should be current on rabies vaccines but will need to be revaccinated if they had contact with a bat.
Public Health said people who see a bat outside should not touch it. Those concerned that a bat is sick should call animal control at 206-296-7387.
Families in Renton and nearby communities are also encouraged to talk with children about bat safety, especially during summer, when bats and other wildlife are more active.
If a bat is found inside a home, residents should call Public Health at 206-296-4774 to discuss whether the bat should be tested. Public Health tests bats for rabies at no charge under certain circumstances.
More information about safely avoiding or capturing bats is available at kingcounty.gov/bats.
