Rabid bat found on Ballard sidewalk

Seattle-King County Health Department wants to know if you came in contact with a bat on the sidewalk at Ballard Ave. and 22nd Ave. NW on Sunday.

A witness told Seattle Animal Shelter that a woman picked up the bat and moved it off the sidewalk. The animal was alive at the time, and it subsequently tested positive for rabies. The woman was not identified.

“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 Dr. Jeff Duchin, health officer. “Contact includes touching a bat, being bitten, scratched, or any other bare skin contact with a bat or its saliva.”

If you may have had contact with the bat – even if not bitten – you’re asked to call the health department at 206-296-4774 to determine if rabies treatment is necessary.

(File photo from the Public Health Department of Seattle-King County)