Rabid Bat Found At Woodinville School

WOODINVILLE, WA - County health officials have confirmed that a bat found at the Bear Creek Elementary School playground on Monday was infected with rabies. Public Health – Seattle & King County is not aware of any students who came into contact with the bat, but anyone who might've should seek medical treatment immediately.

The bat was found around 9 a.m. Monday by school district staff, who reported it to the health department. The state Department of Health confirmed the rabies on Tuesday.

"We aren't yet aware of any students who touched the bat, but we want to be absolutely certain. If your children attend this school or play at this playground, be sure to ask them if they touched a bat," said Chief of Communicable Disease Dr. Jeff Duchin. "Rabies is treatable if caught early on, so identifying anyone who has had contact as soon as possible is important."

This past August was a particularly active month for rabies. According to the state Department of Health, 21 bats had tested positive for rabies by mid-September, and 12 of those bats were confirmed in August alone. That's a 10-year high for a single month.

Rabid bats have been found in Seattle, Sea-Tac, and Gig Harbor.

If you suspect your child came into contact with the bat at Bear Creek, call the health department at 206-296-4774. Any bare-skin contact counts, according to health officials.

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