Island County, Washington Rabies Alert After Bat Tests Positive

Island County Public Health announced that a bat discovered inside a local home tested positive for rabies. The family who found the bat worked with officials and the Washington State Public Health Laboratories to confirm the result. No direct contact or known exposure was reported, and the family is receiving medical care.

Public Health Director Shawn Morris urged residents to avoid handling bats, to report any bat found indoors, and to seek immediate medical advice if exposure is possible. He highlighted that while bats are beneficial to the ecosystem, they are the primary carriers of rabies in Washington state. Recommendations include using protective gloves when capturing a bat, sealing home entry points, and keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccinations.