A bat discovered in a child’s bedroom in Skagit County has tested positive for rabies — the county’s first confirmed case this year.
First Case in Skagit County for 2025
Skagit County Public Health said the bat was found in a small child’s room earlier this month. Unsure whether the child or family pets had contact with it, the parents notified health officials. The bat was tested at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory and confirmed positive for rabies on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
The family has been referred to their health provider for preventive care. This is the first rabid bat found in Skagit County since 2023 and the fourth confirmed case statewide in 2025.
Understanding Rabies Risk
Rabies is a rare but fatal disease in humans and animals once symptoms begin. In Washington, bats are the only known carriers. The virus can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or any bare-skin contact with a bat’s saliva.
Health officials stress that rabies is preventable with prompt medical treatment before symptoms appear. Anyone who may have touched a bat, or been in the same room as one without knowing whether contact occurred, should call their healthcare provider immediately and notify their local health jurisdiction.
How to Protect Yourself and Pets
Public Health officials recommend:
- Never touch or handle wild animals, especially bats.
- Vaccinate dogs, cats, ferrets, and consider vaccinating livestock.
- Bat-proof your home by sealing openings larger than half an inch.
- Teach children to avoid touching bats or other wild animals.
- Keep pets away from bats.
If a bat is found in your living space, call your local health jurisdiction for guidance on whether it should be tested and how to capture it safely. Never handle a bat with bare hands.
When to Seek Medical Care
If you think you’ve been bitten, scratched, or had direct contact with a bat:
- Wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10 minutes.
- Contact your local health jurisdiction to discuss the exposure.
- Seek medical care right away for possible post-exposure rabies treatment.
Not All Bats Carry Rabies
Most bats are healthy and play a vital role in controlling insect populations and pollinating plants. However, health officials warn that bats can carry rabies, so any potential contact should be taken seriously.
For more information on rabies prevention, visit the Washington State Department of Health website.
