Bat tests positive for rabies in Whatcom County

The first confirmed rabies case in Whatcom County this year has been found in a bat, health officials said.

Bats are the only mammal known to carry rabies in Washington state, though the rabies can be transmitted to other mammals such as raccoons or skunks. Between 3 and 10 percent of bats submitted to testing in Washington have rabies, according to the Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department (WCHCS). 

While almost always fatal once symptoms appear, rabies in humans is fully preventable with prompt medical care including a series of shots that contain the rabies vaccine, according to WCHCS.

WCHCS can determine if a bat may have bitten or scratched someone and if a bat should be tested for rabies. 

WCHCS advises anyone bitten or scratched by a bat should immediately clean the bite with soap and water, capture the bat if it is safe, contact their health care provider and call WCHCS at 360/778-6000.

For help capturing a bat, the Whatcom Humane Society’s animal control services can be reached at 360/733-2080.

For more information, visit the WCHCS website at whatcomcounty.us/3256/bats-rabies.