Bats and rabies in King County

September 2, 2025.Reading time 9 minutes.

una foto de un murciélagos volando en la noche

Bats can be infected with rabies and can spread that infection to humans who have bare skin contact with bats or bat saliva. If you had contact with a bat, or even woke up in a room with a bat inside, report the exposure to Public Health at: 206-296-4774. You should also call your medical provider immediately.

Rabid bat found in Renton

August 31, 2024.Reading time 6 minutes.

A rabid bat was found in Renton at 415 Rainier Ave N. on August 29, 2024. If you or someone you know had any contact with a bat near this area, seek medical evaluation immediately or contact Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Rabid bat found in King County: What you should know to protect yourself, your family, and your pets

June 13, 2023.Reading time 7 minutes.

An eastern King County resident and their unvaccinated puppy were exposed to rabies after potentially coming in contact with a bat in the bushes near their home. The bat was collected and sent to the Washington State Public Health Lab where it tested positive for rabies. In situations like these, Public Health will make recommendations for potentially exposed humans and animals.

BAT POSITIVE FOR RABIES FOUND IN KING COUNTY

May 10, 2021.Reading time 6 minutes.

As the weather warms up in King County, bats come out of hibernation, which means a big increase in human-bat interactions compared to other times of year.  Bats that are infected with rabies can spread the infection to humans who have bare skin contact with  bats or bat saliva. 

Bats & Rabies: What you need to know

July 17, 2020.Reading time 7 minutes.

Each summer, we receive between 70 to 100 reports of people being exposed to rabid bats in King County. And, in the recent weeks we’ve received reports of two rabid bats that interacted with humans. If you had contact with a bat, or even woke up in a room with a bat inside, you should call your medical provider immediately, in addition to reporting the exposure to Public Health at: 206-296-4774.

7 things you should know about bats & rabies

August 22, 2019.Reading time 7 minutes.

70% of Americans who die from rabies in the US were infected by bats – CDC Vital Signs As the weather warms up in King County, adult bats come out of hibernation, baby bats are learning to fly, and humans get outdoors, which means a big increase in human-bat interactions compared to other times of year. Bats can be infected […]