Warning: Rabid bats have bitten three people in Washington

They’re in every county in Washington and state health
officials are issuing a warning about bats. Already, three
people in the state have been treated for
exposure to bats with rabies.

“Bats are a reservoir species, so they do carry
the
rabies virus here in Washington state,” explained Nicola
Marsden-Haug, epidemiologist with the Washington State
Department of Health.

Bat teeth are so small and sharp, their bites may not even
be visible. A sleeping person might not even feel their
teeth.

Because their bites could go unnoticed, health officials
want you to take precautions before it’s too late. First
off, never get close to or touch a bat because chances are
if they’re hanging out near people, they’re sick. Teach
children the same. Second, bat proof your home by making
sure open windows have screens and holes and crevices are
sealed.

If a bat does get inside your home, you should wait until
it lands and try to capture it in a can or box with
a lid. Wear leather or thick gloves. Then call your local
health agency.

It’s rare a pet will contract rabies, but it can happen.
Make sure they’re vaccinated.

If you end up with a bat bite, clean the wound and then
get to a doctor. Rabies is fatal, but it can be prevented
with a series of shots.

“The vaccines have changed quite a bit. Usually they
consist of four vaccine shots in a specific schedule. Some
people may require a fifth dose,” said Marsden-Haug.

Every year, the health department tests 200 to 350 bats.
Of those, about five to 10 percent of the bats actually
end up being positive for rabies.