WHIDBEY ISLAND STATION, Wash. — Public health officials said a Whidbey Island resident was bitten by a bat that tested positive for rabies last week.
A Whidbey Island resident discovered a big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus) outside their home on Aug. 1, according to Island County. Another resident was exposed to rabies after they were bitten by the bat.
Officials said the resident received post-exposure vaccination and is doing well as of Thursday.
According to officials, bats are the only known mammal to carry rabies in Washington. They can, however, transmit rabies to other mammals in Washington. This was the fourth case of bat rabies reported in Washington state this year.
Rabies is a fatal disease in animals and humans, but it is preventable if appropriate medical care is received after a potential rabies exposure. If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, officials said to wash the area with soap and water and then contact your medical provider.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recommends not touching or handling wild animals and teaching children to never touch bats - even dead ones. Children should always tell an adult if they find a bat at home, at school, or with a pet, the DOH advised. State health officials said to leave any wild animal alone.
According to officials, dogs, cats and ferrets are required to be up to date on the rabies vaccine in Washington state.
The public can report wildlife observations or ill or dead animals to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
