Rabid bat found near UW campus, King County Health warns
Jul 20, 2026, 6:57 AM
A bat flies through the air with its wings fully extended. (Photo: Ian Waldie, Getty Images)
(Photo: Ian Waldie, Getty Images)
King County Public Health officials are warning people after a rabid bat was found on a busy sidewalk near the University of Washington (UW) campus.
The bat was discovered last Wednesday on University Way N.E. between N.E. 41st and 42nd Streets, near Parrington Lawn, and later tested positive for rabies on Friday.
“Anyone who might have had physical contact with this bat (even if not bitten) could be at risk and should seek medical evaluation immediately or call Public Health at (206) 296-4774 to determine if rabies preventative treatment is necessary,” King County Public Health stated.
Rabies is a life-threatening disease, but it can be prevented if treatment is given before symptoms appear.
“Rabies is treatable if caught before symptoms appear, so identifying anyone who has had contact with the bat as soon as possible is important,” Jocelyn Mullins, Public Health Veterinarian at Public Health – Seattle & King County, said. “Contact includes touching a bat, being bitten or scratched, or having any other bare skin contact with a bat or its saliva.”
Public Health confirmed the callers who reported seeing the bat did not have any physical contact with it. According to King County Public Health, no one is known to have been exposed to this bat, as of this reporting.
This is a developing story, check back for updates
Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.
