RENTON, Wash — A rabid bat was found in Renton earlier this week, according to Public Health — Seattle & King County.
Health officials are urging anyone who came in contact with the bat to seek medical attention immediately.
The bat was found on Aug. 29 in the 400 block of Rainier Avenue North in Renton.
A resident in King County saw the sick bat and reported it to a local wildlife rehabilitation center on Thursday, and the bat was euthanatized.
Public Health tested the bat for rabies and the test came back positive on Friday, Aug. 30.
"Rabies is treatable if caught before symptoms appear, so identifying anyone who has had contact with the bat as soon as possible is important," said Elysia Gonzales, medical epidemiologist at Public Health – Seattle & King County. "Contact includes touching a bat, being bitten, scratched, or any other bare skin contact with a bat or its saliva."
Even if you weren't bitten, but may have come in contact with the bat, you could be at risk. Anyone with possible contact is asked to be medically evaluated or call Public Health at 206-296-4774 to determine if rabies preventative treatment is necessary.
Rabies is life-threatening, but is treatable if caught early and treated before any symptoms develop, health officials say.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than 10 people die from rabies in the United States every year.
As of Aug. 31, at least two people may have been exposed to the bat, according to Public Health. Both people are being evaluated to determine if rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is necessary.