Second Bat Tested Positive for Rabies-Found in Chelan County

East Wenatchee, WA – Chelan-Douglas Health District (CDHD) confirms that a second bat submitted to the  Washington State Public Health Laboratory (WAPHL) for testing was confirmed to be positive for rabies in  Chelan Country on August 27, 2024. There was suspected bare skin contact. As a precaution the bat was  tested, and results were positive for rabies. The individuals exposed are all receiving appropriate treatment. 

Bats play an important role in our ecosystem. Yet, interactions between humans and bats can sometimes lead  to potential risks. To promote awareness and safety if you encounter a bat, Chelan-Douglas Health District is  providing the following guidelines: 

1) Observe from a distance: 

• If a bat isn’t in your space, leave them alone. Observe them from a safe distance by using binoculars.

‍2) Encountering an injured bat: 

• Contact animal control for assistance or your local public health district for further instructions.

‍3) Encountering a bat in your home: 

• Never handle a bat with your bare hands. If necessary, only capture bats that have had direct  contact with a person or pet. It is crucial to wear thick, winter or leather work gloves and long  sleeves to protect yourself from getting bit or scratched by a bat. 

4) Learn About Bats: 

• The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife’s webpage on Living with wildlife: Bats | Washington  Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Health’s Rabies Activities  page: Rabies Activity in Washington | Washington State Department of Health are great resources.  These resources provide valuable information on both bat behavior and rabies prevention.

‍5) If Bitten: 

• Seek medical attention immediately. If you are bitten or scratched by a bat, wash the wound  thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

Chelan-Douglas Health District encourages the public to leave bats alone if they are outside in the open, Don't  Touch Bats Poster (wa.gov). Keep bats out of your living space by bat-proofing (PDF) your home. To learn more  about rabies, please visit our webpage: Rabies (wa.gov). 

For more public health updates, visit www.cdhd.wa.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram