Rabid Bat Discovered at Gene Coulon Park in Renton, Washington

On July 28, a bat testing positive for rabies was found on a sidewalk near the playground and restrooms at Gene Coulon Park in Renton, Washington. Public Health – Seattle & King County officials warned that any person or animal that touched the bat or its saliva could be at risk of rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. They urged anyone with possible exposure to seek medical advice promptly and advised pet owners to verify that their animals are up‑to‑date on rabies vaccinations.

The health department reported no confirmed human contacts at the time of the announcement but emphasized that treatment is effective only if administered before symptoms develop. Veterinarian Jocelyn Mullins highlighted that contact includes touching the bat, exposure to its saliva, or any unprotected skin contact, even without a visible bite.