Rabid Bat Latches Onto Man's Hand At UW, Others May Be At Risk

SEATTLE, WA - Multiple people were exposed to a rabid bat and one person was bitten over the weekend at the University of Washington, according to King County Health officials.

A person found the bat Saturday afternoon behind Husky Stadium, according to health officials. The bat "acted aggressively" and bit the person on the hand. The bat would not let go, and the person - who King County officials did not identify - sought help from members of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity in removing the bat.

Health officials do not know who else might have come into contact with the bat. They are asking anyone who saw a bat that day or previously to contact them. You don't have to be bitten to be at risk of contracting rabies, according to health officials. Contact with the animal's saliva can also pose a health risk.

Although deadly, rabies can be treated, but only before symptoms are present.

"Rabies is treatable if caught before symptoms appear, so identifying anyone who has had contact as soon as possible is important," said King County Health's Dr. Jeff Duchin. "Contact includes touching a bat, being bitten, scratched, or any other bare skin contact with a bat or its saliva."

If you are concerned about possible rabies exposure, contact the county Communicable Disease Control, Epidemiology, and Immunization Section at (206) 296-4774.

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