SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — Snohomish County Health officials say eight people in the county were possibly exposed to rabid bats this week.
The bats were found in Arlington, Edmonds, Monroe and Snohomish but are found throughout the area.
The eight people were told to begin preventative treatment.
With windows being left open during warmer weather, some people are waking up to find bats in their homes.
The health department said bats like to “hang out” in cabins, attics, barns and outbuildings or wherever there are plenty of insects to eat.
Earlier this month, KIRO 7 took you inside the state health department's lab in Shoreline where bats are tested for rabies. See additional details on rabies and bats here from Seattle-King County Public Health.
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Officials told KIRO 7 they have never had so many rabid bats at this point in the year and want to remind people that rabies is deadly if left untreated.
Because bats have very small teeth and a bite or scratch may not leave a clear mark, it’s possible to be bitten without being aware of it.
So if you or a family member wake up in a room and see a bat, it is best to assume you may have had contact with the bat.
Health officials say you should safely capture the bat and contact the Snohomish Health District at 425-339-5278 for further guidance.
It is not necessary to capture bats unless they have had direct contact with a person or pet, or if the bat was found in the room of someone who may have had contact with the bat, for instance if they were sleeping in a room where a bat was seen.
If you have to catch the bat yourself, use gloves, don't handle it with bare hands and try to get it into a box or bucket.
Cox Media Group
