Bat found at Green Lake tests positive for rabies

A rabid bat, appearing sick and unable to fly, was found at Green Lake Park in Seattle on Thursday evening, August 17th. Public Health – Seattle & King County tells us the bat was captured by a park visitor as it was being moved by four persons who appeared to be teenagers on the pathway near the Green Lake boathouse on the east side of the park. The bat later tested positive for rabies at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory on Saturday, August 19th.

Officials advise parents in the area to check if their teens were at the park on Thursday evening, and if so, to ask them if they had any contact with a bat. Anyone who touched or had contact with the bat or its saliva could be at risk of getting rabies, which is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. But rabies can be prevented if treatment is given before symptoms appear.

“If you or your child had any contact with a bat at Green Lake Park on August 16th or 17th, please contact Public Health immediately to get information about preventative treatment,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, who explains that contact includes touching a bat, being bitten, scratched, or any other bare skin contact with a bat or its saliva.

Public Health – Seattle & King County tells MyBallard there are currently no additional updates or known related cases to the Green Lake rabid bat. Contact Public Health – Seattle & King County to report human bat exposures at 206-296-4774 or read more about rabies, pets, and bats here.