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CHEHALIS, Wash. — Health officials in Lewis County have confirmed a bat that was found this month tested positive for rabies.
A man found a bat on his property July 12.
The Lewis County Public Health and Social Services determined the man and his dog were the only known contacts with the bat.
“The risk of encountering a rabid bat is extremely low here. However, because the risk does exist, people should be aware of how rabies is carried and spread,” said Lewis County health officer Rachel Wood.
This is the first known rabid bat reported in Lewis County since an incident at Lintott/Alexander Park near Chehalis in August 2018. In all of 2018, only two bats found in Lewis County tested positive for rabies.
The bat has been properly disposed of, health officials said.
If you believe you have been bitten by an animal that may have rabies, clean the wound with soap and water and contact your health provider to determine the potential of rabies exposure.
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