Bat in Alki Beach tests positive for rabies

Another rabid bat has been found in Washington state.

The bat infected with rabies was found alive near the Alki Beach Pier on Sept. 18, in the parking lot of the Duwamish Head Condominiums. A rabies test result came back positive Thursday, Oct. 6.

Health officials have identified at least four people who may have been exposed to the bat.

King County Public Health officials are urging anyone who may have had contact with the bat to see a doctor or call the health department at 206-296-4774.

Rabies, if left untreated, is deadly, but it can be stopped before symptoms develop.

“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.”

At least six bats, including this recent one, across the state have tested positive for rabies so far this year. Other bats have been found in Kittitas, Mason, Snohomish, and Thurston counties.